"Free Jah Cure!" could be heard at concerts by Capleton, Jah Mason and others. Now it has come to pass: Jah Cure is out of prison after eight years behind bars, having been sentenced to 15 years. But where prison abruptly cut short the artistic momentum of some singers, the bars seem to have done his career good.
With three albums all released during his incarceration, and ever-growing support each time, Jah Cure has left prison more famous than he was when he went in. It is no accident that his release was brought forward by several hours, to avoid the fans and journalists. Carried by an enthusiasm few artists have known (witness the astonishing line-up of Curefest, organised to commemorate his new freedom), Jah Cure now stands on the threshold of a new career.
With three albums all released during his incarceration, and ever-growing support each time, Jah Cure has left prison more famous than he was when he went in. It is no accident that his release was brought forward by several hours, to avoid the fans and journalists. Carried by an enthusiasm few artists have known (witness the astonishing line-up of Curefest, organised to commemorate his new freedom), Jah Cure now stands on the threshold of a new career.
How are you finding your first days of freedom?
Jah Cure These days are wonderful. They are days I wanted to spend with my family and the people I love.
Your career could have been shattered by your imprisonment, but the opposite happened: you came out of prison better known than when you went in.
Jah Cure It's not really prison that counts, it's the state of mind. Ah so it go. Some manage to come back and find success. Others manage to come back, but only go halfway... Me, I made that decision, you know.
Is it a new start?
Jah Cure No, it's not a new start. I just picked up the music where I left it.
In prison you recorded several songs. Notably True Reflection...
Jah Cure Duane Stephenson wrote that song, I just had to sing it.
Is it a song of redemption?
Jah Cure No, it's a song that speaks to all prisoners and to all those who are being held locked up. It's the position I was in. Nobody else could have delivered this message to the world the way I did. It's a song for every prisoner in the world, a message of universal struggle, calling for their rehabilitation.
When did you learn you were going to be released?
Jah Cure You only know on the day you're released, nobody knows the date. This is Jamaica: you go to prison on one day and they tell you on another day that you can leave. It could have lasted twenty years, and you only find out on the day you're released. If you survive until that day.
Is prison that hard?
Jah Cure You don't sleep on a bed of roses in there, my brother.
Are you angry with the Jamaican justice system?
Jah Cure I was angry for all those years. Now, where I am, I'm in the mood to enjoy life, and to bring what I have to deliver it to the public. You can't have anger in music...
Do you think there was an injustice?
Jah Cure No, let's leave that behind us... I don't focus on negativity.
Were you apprehensive about getting back on stage after eight years?
Jah Cure No, never. I was happy. I was eager to see my audience and feel the energy of the people. I couldn't wait to start working again.
Are you as confident as before you went to prison?
Jah Cure I'm even more confident now, with all the love I've received.
How did you end up playing your first concert in Europe and not in Jamaica?
Jah Cure As it happens, the Curefest, which will take place in October, was supposed to be held in mid-August. Since we couldn't do it because of the elections (themselves postponed because of Hurricane Dean passing over Jamaica, editor's note), we decided to go to Holland. The election date was announced after we had announced the Curefest. But we had no choice, it's in the Jamaican Constitution: a public meeting cannot take place in the days leading up to the elections. We had to push our date back.
Won't you play any concerts in Jamaica between now and then?
Jah Cure There's a lot of demand but we'll deal with it afterwards. I'll wait until after the Curefest because I'm preparing a big performance for that night.
Which producers do you intend to work with?
Jah Cure Not with everybody. I can't even tell you. You don't plan music. I'm here, enjoying my freedom, making music, doing what I love. Whatever the cost. I can't say who I'll work with, any more than who I won't work with. What will happen, will happen.
In November 2005, Irie FM decided to stop playing your tracks because it was receiving threats from people demanding more of your tracks on air...
Jah Cure I don't know, I was in prison and someone told me about it. It can't have been someone close to me. I don't know what happened, but it could have been anybody. I was just suffering every day. I don't know who called the radio station but it was stupid.
Now that you're free, what do you expect from the future?
Jah Cure Music, nothing but music. I want to give the best of myself.
Comments (28)
blessed
je taten avec inpatience man
kellydjah · · rating: 5 out of 5
RAFION ·
zanfan rasta · · rating: 5 out of 5
jess · · rating: 4 out of 5
Moi aussi c'est en partie grace à lui ke g découvert le reggae!! J'espère le voir en Martinique en concert mais pdt lé grandes vacances
DeeDee · · rating: 5 out of 5
Jess&Barbie&Perle971 · · rating: 5 out of 5
koks · · rating: 5 out of 5
love u
chewigili · · rating: 5 out of 5
PATRICE · · rating: 5 out of 5
PATRICE · · rating: 5 out of 5
I mar · · rating: 5 out of 5
metillaise · · rating: 5 out of 5
ass · · rating: 1 out of 5
ass · · rating: 5 out of 5
cause no place like it
jazakalah · · rating: 5 out of 5
J'attends avec impatience qu'il chante en france, sinon je serais capable d'aller jusqu'en jamaique.
Reste toujours IandI!!!!!
rootsette · · rating: 5 out of 5
Who Jah bless no man curse.
gwan cure ya large.
we anticipate to see u on stage here.
Empress · · rating: 5 out of 5
jonathan · · rating: 5 out of 5
yeyette · · rating: 5 out of 5
en tout k g entendu 1 on de lui ke je connaissait pas : only jah see & know....c de la tuerie.
pas terrible l'interview qd mm
rasty · · rating: 1 out of 5
tia · · rating: 5 out of 5
missjah · · rating: 5 out of 5
djo · · rating: 1 out of 5
hector · · rating: 3 out of 5
xema · · rating: 1 out of 5
rafael · · rating: 4 out of 5
I and I · · rating: 5 out of 5
Respect à lui quand meme... car il a quand meme une jolie voix et de beau texte
Bless up
Peace
Silverlaze · · rating: 4 out of 5