With the apparent resurgence of foundation reggae in recent years with the likes of Jesse Royal, Proteje, and of course Chronixx, I felt it was a good idea to to go back and visit one of the earlier greats of the foundation scene, the one and only Jah Cure.
Born Siccature Alcock in Hanover, Jamaica in 1978, he was originally given his name by Capleton who claimed he was ‘Jah’s Cure’.
His break through came in 1997, alongside Sizzla he recorded the heavy hitting tune ‘King In This Jungle’. In 1998 he was arrested and charged with gun possession, robbery, and rape but to this day he still strongly pleads his innocence. Although he spent 8 years in prison, he was fortunate enough to have access to a digital recording station, and released three albums and a handful of singles.
Released from prison in 2007, Jah Cure made his comeback performance at Reggae Sumfest. He has since released three albums to mixed reviews with a much anticipated fourth release coming this year.
I have chosen a 2014 release named ‘Wake Up’ on the Natures Way produced ‘Sweet Personality Riddim’. It is a conscious lovers rock riddim with some of foundations current greats on it.
This style of production suits Jah Cure’s smooth yet gravely almost ‘in tears’ vocal styles, his voice is defiantly one of the most recognisable in the reggae singjay style. It is a fantastic tune with a heavily conscious message. Jah Cure steps right back into his foundation styling on this tune, doing what I feel he does best, preaching the good message of empowerment and forward momentum to the youth.
Cure’s version is hands down the headlining tune on this riddim, which is a large feat in itself considering the other artists also featuring on this riddim, Wayne Wonder, Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, and Zamunda just to name a few.
With my personal taste for the heavier side of dancehall (Mavado, Elephant Man, Tommy Lee Sparta etc), Jah Cure will still always remain one of my favorite artists in any genre, his positive message and soothing voice continues to calm even my savage soul. I’m looking forward to his next release and am sure it will hold some of that Siccature goodness as always.
Bless up
Danny Two Chains
