Minister Marion Hall Says Jah Cure And Ninjaman Should Have ‘Served God’ To Avoid Prison

Minister Marion Hall says artists Jah Cure and Ninjaman could have been behind the pulpit instead of behind bars had they turned to God earlier in their careers. 

Jah Cure was released from prison in 2007 after serving an eight-year sentence for rape, robbery with aggravation and illegal possession of a firearm. These days, the Longing For artist is riding out a six-year sentence in the Netherlands for attempted manslaughter.

Recently, when delivering a message to folks who disregard their God-given calling, Hall said Jah Cure should have been saving souls for Christ. 

“You look at weh him name, weh sing Behind These Prison Walls,” Hall started. “If those men had come out and work for the Lord, go back in the dancehall, go in the prisons and minister for God, you think him woulda deh inna prison inna Europe now?… You know how much souls he could have win for God and still winning?”

Jah Cure. Photo VP Records/Dane Nelson

Jah Cure, whose given name is Siccature Alcock, has often centralised spirituality in songs like Jah Bless Me, Sticky, Rasta and Pray. While he enrolled in the rehabilitation program during his stint at Kingston’s Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, the singer was more focused on building his music career and family following his release.

Hall, who has her own story of avoiding God’s calling while she was Lady Saw, said deejay Ninjaman should have also used his talent for kingdom business. 

Given name Desmond Ballentine, the veteran toaster has led a colourful life, rising to the ranks of clash culture’s finest while battling several demons.

Ninjaman (2007)

The Jamaica Town deejay fought to change his life on several occasions while fighting a cocaine addiction at the peak of his career.

In 1997, he got baptised and changed his moniker to Brother Desmond, gracing stages with reggae gospel songs. Within two years, he was sentenced to 12 months for unlawful possession of a firearm. His relationship with guns continued into the new millennium, eventually leading to his 2017 murder conviction. 

Imagining Brother Desmond’s potential, Hall said, “God did pull Ninjaman one time and Ninjaman should have been the voice that would go into dancehall, cause nobody bad like Ninjaman inna the name of Jesus – lyrically mi a talk bout.”

She continued, “Imagine when him get baptised as Brother Desmond. If him did hold the faith and God coulda download in that man – because God already give him the gift – you know how much soul that man could win?”

In late 2017, the original front tooth, gold tooth ‘Don Gorgon’ was given a life sentence with parole eligibility in 18 years, but Hall is hoping for an earlier release. 

“You just pray for forgiveness and God forgive you and just, you know, just make a way out of no way and get you to come out.”

Hall believes more converted acts are needed in gospel music, even fathoming Patra as one for God’s soul-saving army. 

“You know how much people she could have won?” she asked. “I love Chevelle Franklyn and then she got on some major platforms, but it (the industry/mission) needs more of us.”

Former dancehall acts who have converted to Christianity include Papa San, Lt. Stitchie, Cherine Anderson, Sasha and Chrissy D.