Reggae artist Jah Cure will spend additional time in prison after a Dutch appellate court extended his sentence to eight years and four months for the 2021 stabbing of concert promoter Nicardo “Papa” Blake in Amsterdam. The ruling, delivered on October 30, 2025, follows a successful appeal by prosecutors who argued that the original court failed to recognize the premeditated nature of the attack.
The Incident That Shocked the Reggae World
The case originated from an altercation that took place in October 2021, when Jah Cure — whose real name is Siccature Alcock — allegedly stabbed Blake during a dispute over unpaid performance fees. The violent confrontation occurred in Amsterdam’s Dam Square in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the international reggae community.
Initially, the court sentenced Jah Cure to six years in prison for attempted manslaughter, ruling that the act was not premeditated. However, Dutch prosecutors appealed, insisting that evidence showed clear intent to harm. The Court of Appeal has now sided with the prosecution, determining that the artist had planned the attack in advance.
New Evidence Reveals Premeditation
The appellate judges cited newly presented evidence, including a series of voice messages reportedly sent by Jah Cure prior to the stabbing. In the recordings, he allegedly mentioned acquiring a knife, planning to meet Blake, and expressing intent to stab him. The court ruled that these statements demonstrated clear forethought and intent, elevating the offense from a spontaneous act of violence to one involving premeditation.
As a result, Jah Cure’s sentence was extended by more than two years, bringing the total to eight years and four months. He has been detained in the Netherlands since his 2021 arrest, and the ruling means he will remain incarcerated for the foreseeable future.
Defense Arguments Rejected
Jah Cure’s defense team argued that the altercation was unplanned, claiming it erupted in the heat of the moment following a dispute about unpaid fees. They requested leniency, emphasizing the artist’s remorse and emotional distress. The court, however, rejected the defense’s argument, concluding that the combination of evidence and communication prior to the incident proved deliberate intent.
A Turbulent Chapter in Jah Cure’s Legacy
Widely celebrated for reggae hits such as Love Is and Unconditional Love, the 46-year-old Jamaican artist has long been regarded as one of reggae’s most soulful voices. However, his ongoing legal battles have increasingly overshadowed his musical contributions. The extended prison sentence marks another difficult chapter in Jah Cure’s life and career, as he continues to serve his term in a Dutch correctional facility.
The ruling underscores the court’s strict stance on violent offenses, even involving internationally recognized artists. For many fans, it serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly fame can unravel under the weight of personal and legal turmoil.
