jah Cure... it was rumoured that he would appear at Sting as a guest artiste

Despite sustained negotiations between Supreme Promotions and the Correctional services, incarcerated reggae singer Jah Cure will not be performing at the Jamworld Entertainment Centre for this year's Magnum Sting 2K4 stage show.

In the weeks leading up to the show it was rumoured that the artiste would appear at Sting as a special guest. Supreme Promotions, promoters of the event, was tight-lipped about the issue, saying negotiations were still in progress.

But according to head of the Correctional Services Major Richard Reese, Jah Cure will not be allowed to sing at Sting.
"He would not qualify. It depends on the category of crime and risks needs assessment," Reese told Splash.

Under the Corrections Act, the head of the department in control of the island's penal institutions has the final word on whether a prisoner can be given a temporary reprieve from life behind bars.

Jah Cure, whose real name is Sekaturi Alcock, has been blasting the charts and gaining considerable airplay for his potent singles, the Don Corleon produced Longing For and Jah Bless Me.

Jah Cure was convicted in 1999 for rape, robbery and illegal possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 15 years. The singer became eligible for parole last year but an application for parole was turned down by the prison authorities.
Although he is due to be released in 2011, he can be back on the streets by 2008 pending good behaviour.

Jah Cure's colleague of many years, Jah Mason, is not constricted by the prison system and has been included in the sting line-up. Jah Mason's Princess Gone is arguably the most popular song to hit the streets this year and has breathed new life into the rastafarian chanter's career.

Princess Gone is at least three years old and had been a monster hit in the Caribbean. The song has gained favour with local crowds this year and Jah Mason, who has been on the fringes of stardom for some time, has stepped up to the plate and handled the success with maturity.

Sting would not be the same if the Don Gorgon, Ninja man was not on the roster. Every year, Ninja man, has found a way to steal the spotlight from his more talked-about colleagues and this year the Sting audience should expect more unique antics from the DJ.

The Fireman Capleton is also expected to torch the venue with his slew of popular hits and usual energetic performance.

The Doctor Beenie Man is the consummate performer, and as usual Beenie man must be forecast among those expected to bring the house down.

Fifth Element crooner Richie Spice has enjoyed immense popularity this year. His recently-released album, Spice in Your Life, is loaded with good songs and he should do well at Sting. Armed with singles like , Earth A Run Red, Ghetto Girl and Marijuana, Richie Spice should leave the Jamworld Entertainment Centre with his head held high.

Chuck Fenda is also a crowd favourite and should also do well is his performances from earlier this year can be used as a marker.

Baritone singer Bushman has consistently proven that he is a top-drawer songwriter/performer and he, too, is expected to fare well.

Rising singer Fantan Mojah has been enjoying a good run of form recently and the singer who never leaves his ski pack, should represent himself. The Downsound recording artiste has developed a decent following and should be in the running for top honours when the curtain comes down on the show this year.

Magnum Sting 2K4 also features a segment which will feature the Magnificent Seven of Chezidek, Ghandi, Mr Perfect, Kris Kelly, I-Wayne, Turbulance and Bascom X. All seven artistes have enjoyed a rise to prominence this year as a result of the popular singles they have produced.

With the exception of perhaps Turbulance, stage experience may be a factor and it is left to be seen how this crop of burgeoning entertainers will handle the task presented to them on Sunday night.

Dancehall poet DYCR is expected to regain some lost pride after he was rejected by the harsh crowd at last year's staging. DYCR has since penned a song about the experience and it will be interesting to see him perform the single.

Among other artistes who will be featured on Sting are Anthony B, Assassin, Hero, Beetle Bailey, Black Lion, New Kidz, Sugar Roy, Queen Paula, Ruffian, Lutan Fyah, the comedic Blacker, Genie Slick and Wasp.

Missing from the line up are dancehall notables Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall and Sizzla Kolonji.

This year, the organisers have promised tighter security and say they will allow no bottles or offensive weapons into the venue. The promoters also say an artiste's entourage will not be allowed to enter the stage area.

This is in an effort to prevent a repeat of the nasty brawl which took place between Ninja Man and Vybz Kartel at last year's staging.

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