Irie FM bans Jah Cure’s music
Basil Walters, Observer staff reporter
Thursday, November 10, 2005
JAH CURE. serving a 15-year sentence for rape robbery with aggravation and illegal possession of a firearm
Irie FM has slapped a ban on the music of Jah Cure after staff at the popular radio station received threats from persons claiming to be associated with the singer who is serving time in prison for rape, robbery with aggravation and illegal possession of a firearm.
Yesterday, marketing manager for the Ocho Rios-based all reggae radio station, Brian Schmidt, told the Observer that the station had vowed not to be intimidated by the threats.
“Over a period of time, people who are associated with Jah Cure have been calling the station issuing threats to members of staff, demanding that they play more of his music,” Schmidt said. “We have therefore taken a principled decision that we’re not to bow to any threats of any kind.”
Schmidt declined to give details about the nature of the threats, offering only that “they were threats against the personal security of staff members”.
Jah Cure, whose real name is Siccaturie Alcock, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on April 26, 1999 for two counts of rape, robbery with aggravation and illegal possession of firearm, all arising from the same incident. At the time he was 19 years old.
In recent time, specifically through the new music component of the penal system’s rehabilitation programme, Jah Cure has been given the privilege to record a number of songs which have become instant hits.
His current hit song, True Reflection, was recorded for producer Joe Bogdanavich’s Downsound Records label.
Bogdanavich could not be contacted yesterday for comment on the Irie FM action.
Jah Cure has made history of sorts, being the first entertainer who has come to national prominence while being incarcerated.
Last year, Jah Cure, who was transferred to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre from the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre two years ago, had an application for parole turned down despite a passionate campaign by concerned friends, family and entertainers. He had become eligible for parole on July 28, 2003.
