Hearing King in this Jungle for the first time, I knew that this culturally minded youth would emerge as a reggae landmark for Jamaica. Growing up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this talented youth was dubbed ‘Jah Cure’ by the infamous Capleton.

Ascending into the world of reggae at 18 years old, Jah Cure was cut off the music scene for some time serving in prison. However, his entry into the reggae scene was monumental, as his first hit was melodically coupled with Sizzla and produced by Beres Hammond.

This is where Jah Cure gained his inspiration as an artist; musically from Hammond and spiritually from Sizzla- who introduced him into the lifestyle of the Rastafarian. Mostly produced by Hammond, Jah Cure then began to spit out tune after tune in a steady stream, but the climb to fame was curbed in 1998 when Jamaican police stopped Jah Cure and was imprisoned on rape and armed robbery charges the following year.

Serving a 15-year sentence, Jah Cure has always stood his ground that he had been innocent. But solace is an elevating time for an individual; and in his seemingly darkest moments, Cure wrote and released his most infamous music. This was encouraged by a groundswell of support amongst reggae fans throughout the Caribbean- embellishing Cure as a reggae hero.

From this sentence, stemmed compilations like ‘Free Jah’s Cure’ and ‘Ghetto Life’; which kept the musician on the charts, and his fame spread through the Caribbean and Europe. At the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, Cure had access to a digital recording studio, and made use of his time exploring his musical talent. It was there Cure recorded some new tracks, which would appear next to his old hits on ‘Freedom Blues’, released by the VP label in 2005.

Jah Cure was released from prison in July 2007 and executed an astounding performance in Trinidad upon his release.

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Written by Jamie Jaggernauth.

Popularity: 42% [?]

If you ever visit the island of Anguilla then you will be sure to cross paths with Bankie. Born on this beautiful island, Bankie Banx has been making reggae music for the past 30 years; with his trademark hat and unique blend of reggae music Bankie is one of Anguillas finest.

Making music was a childhood dream for Bankie and he made early success with his first number one hit in 1977 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Bankie and his band ‘The Roots & Herbs’ spent time in Europe and the Caribbean before the band dispanded and Bankie set of to further his career in the US. His unique and somewhat chilling voice his often been compared to that of Bob Dylan and Bankie himself has taken much inspiration from Bob and added a little folk into his music. Bankies muscial journey was booming in the US before he got ‘Busted’ in Barbados for marijuana possesion and was subsequently banned for 10 years.

On his return to Anguilla, Bankie set about building something else to call his own…The Dune Preserve. The Dune, or Planet Dune as many would call it, has grown from a small one cabin beach hut to a full blown piece of history. A year round beach bar and nightlub you will hear the sounds of Bankie and friends before you arrive. It is also the home to another of Banks’ musical projects – Moonsplash.

Moonsplash has become one of the premier music festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and has featured internationally revered reggae artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Rita Marley, Black Uhuru, Freddie McGregor, Toots and the Maytals, Steel Pulse, Culture, Marcia Griffiths, Taurrus Riley, Roots & Herbs, Buju Banton, Anthony B, Burning Spear and The Wailers. The dune preserve was destroyed by Hurricanes in 1996 and 1999, but Banks rebuilt it and Moonsplash lives on.

I have had the pleasure of sitting in the Dune with Bankie and Friends and his rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ in the early hours of new years day is a moment I will treasure forever.

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Popularity: 14% [?]