Kandré McDonald, Freelance Writer

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Jah Cure and mother, Pancetta Campbell, are at the press conference after Jah Cure's release from prison on Saturday, July 28. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

As popular entertainer Siccature Alcock, more popularly known as Jah Cure, sauntered into the Jonkanoo Lounge at the Hilton Kingston hotel, with his arm clutching his mother, a deep silence hit the room. The only noise one could hear was the shutters of dozens of cameras.

Many had waited for years for Jah Cure to be released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre where he was sentenced to 15 years on rape and gun robbery charges. Cure was released last Saturday on parole after serving eight years.

Stardom

From behind bars Jah Cure's musical talent has propelled him into stardom and this transcended into Jonkanoo Lounge as media houses from all over the world cluttered to see, snap and hear a free Jah Cure.

Jah Cure was not 'properly introduced' to the real world of Jamaican entertainment, as a scheduled 7:00 p.m. start to the press conference did not materialise, until 8:10 p.m. when he was ushered into the venue.

Jah Cure was not only introduced to a clutter of camera personnel snapping wildly and others insistently trying to get the best footage, but he was also greeted by a well-decorated lounge with red, green, and gold balloons spelling out his name.

The crowd inside of Jonkanoo Lounge swelled immediately and at 8:15 p.m. when the moderator asked the cameramen to ease back, it was a relief; finally the press conference was about to begin.

Representing the music fraternity, Spragga Benz, was on hand to welcome Jah Cure. Spragga asked the audience to stand while he prayed and gave thanks to the Father for bringing Jah Cure back a changed person.

Sentiments

Jah Cure's mother, Pancetta Campbell, stuck by the side of her son throughout the proceedings and was quick to point out that she prayed regularly to live to see the day when her son would be released from prison. Many others shared her sentiments, including the Danger Zone Recording family who now manages Cure's career.

When Jah Cure's publicist, Alison Young, introduced Jah Cure to the podium, the audience listened attentively, many keen to hear his perspective on certain matters and others just eager to throw in their questions to the singer.

Jah Cure wittingly answered most of the questions as if previously prepared to do so. He, however, sidestepped some, adding that he might be able to answer those at a later date.

CureFest postponed

CureFest, a three-day event being staged by Danger Zone Records in recognition of Jah Cure's release, has been postponed from August because of the impending general election and will now be staged from October 12-14. The event will be staged at The Ruins, Ocho Rios, and James Bond Beach, Oracabessa, St. Mary.

Speaking with the media, Jah Cure pointed out that he was not disappointed with the postponement of CureFest because it actually gives him more time to prepare for the event and ease his already hectic schedule. He was also adamant that reports in the papers that persons were vandalising his posters are misleading, saying: "The persons who take down the posters did so, so that they could put it in their house. That is how much they love Jah Cure."

Jah Cure's first performance will be at the Sundance Music Festival in Holland on August 12.