Reggae artiste Jah Cure addresses journalists at the launch of 'Curefest', a series of concerts, at the Cable and Wireless Golf Acadamy on Tuesday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Singer Jah Cure will make his first major performance in Jamaica since his release from prison on the third and last day of his very own 'Curefest', slated for Friday, October 12, to Sunday, October 14, in Trelawny and St. James.

And when he performs on Longing For, the climactic concert at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium in Greenwood, he will be far from alone. Dennis Howard of Jahmento Productions outlined an extensive line-up of performers to those gathered for the official 'Curefest' launch at the Cable and Wireless Golf Academy, New Kingston, on Tuesday evening.

Among the nearly 50 scheduled performers are Morgan Heritage, Cocoa Tea, Lady Saw, George Nooks, Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Ninja Man, Queen Ifrika, Barrington Levy, TOK, Wayne Marshall, Mavado and Prodigal Son. Howard also announced that Beres Hammond is the big surprise for 'Curefest'.

Line of performers

Hammond is not the only standout performer whose name was not on the screen who will also be a part of 'Curefest', as Karen Smith will be performing, along with Etana and Live Wyya, at the festival opening 'Reflections', an all-white birthday party for Jah Cure, which will be hosted by the singer at the Starfish Hotel in Trelawny.

On Saturday, October 13, the festival moves to Pier 1 in Montego Bay, St. James, for '45 Cures', a selector spin-off which will pit radio disc jockeys against sound systems and selectors. Among those who will play are Danger Zone, ZJ Liquid, Black Chiney, DJ Wayne, Little Richie, DJ Sunshine, Sky Juice, DJ Sparks, Stone Love, ZJ Nikki Z, Fire Links and ZJ Chrome.

Guest speaker Leachim Semaj, using examples from the books of James, John and Matthew in the Bible, noted that "talent is neutral". He said that while the talent that you have is God's gift to you, what you do with that talent is your gift to God."

President of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) Desi Young said: "On behalf of the JFM, this is an endorsement of talent that has impressed, but the circumstances led to some absence. The fraternity is united in its support for this artiste (Jah Cure) going forward, showcasing this talent that the world has come to gravitate to."

Allan Green of the Western Society for the Upliftment of Children, which along with the Alpha Boys School will benefit from 'Curefest' gave thanks for the "timely donation".

- M.C.