Jah Treatment has been sentenced to eight years and 4 months in jail by the Amsterdam Courtroom of Enchantment. The ruling got here after a protracted authorized course of following the stabbing incident on Dam Sq. in our beloved Amsterdam again in 2021.
The now 47-year-old artist, born Siccature Alcock, was discovered responsible of tried homicide after attacking promoter Nicardo ‘Papa’ Blake throughout a disagreement about present funds.
In March 2022, Jah Treatment was first sentenced to 6 years for tried manslaughter. The prosecutors appealed, saying the assault was deliberate. Now, the Enchantment Courtroom agreed and elevated the sentence, saying Jah Treatment waited for Blake and stabbed him in a busy public space (most likely the busiest in Amsterdam). The promoter survived however was severely injured and wanted a number of surgical procedures.
This new sentence means the singer will stay behind bars for years to come back, preserving him out of the general public eye for many of this decade. The attainable earliest launch can be round mid-2027 (below regular Dutch conditional launch guidelines). However…, if authorities deny an early launch on account of conduct or danger, he might serve nearer to the complete time period of 100 months (8 Years and 4 Months) from October 2021, than his launch can be round February 2030.
Jah Treatment in His Personal Phrases
In early 2023, Jah Treatment spoke with World A Reggae from the “PI Ter Apel.” jail whereas getting ready for the discharge of his newest VP Data launched album Simple.
He then advised us he was in good well being and nonetheless centered on making music: “Music retains me busy. I’m all the time writing, day and night time.”
He additionally apologised to his followers: “I apologise to all my followers all around the world for the scenario that I put myself in.”
At the moment, he was working with producer Ok-One from Sweden and stated he wished to share optimistic music with the world. Now, studying these phrases once more, it’s clear how a lot his scenario has modified.
Combined Reactions
The response from the reggae neighborhood has been break up. Some followers on-line maintain saying “Release Jah Treatment,” whereas others really feel disenchanted, writing “Him neva be taught from final time.”
There haven’t been official statements from massive artists, however European promoters and radio stations are quietly reviewing how they work with artists after this case. Some stations and Deejays even stopped enjoying his songs. We anticipated to listen to extra reactions from fellow artists about his sentence, however perhaps due to Hurricane Melissa and all that’s taking place in Jamaica proper now, most are staying quiet for now.
Greater Than One Artist
This story goes past Jah Treatment himself. It additionally reveals how fragile issues can get between Jamaican artists and promoters. Cash points, dangerous communication, and fast tempers can simply result in greater issues, and this case is sadly a tough reminder of that.
It additionally raises the query: can we nonetheless separate the music from the particular person? Many followers nonetheless love the songs, however others discover it onerous to pay attention the identical manner after what occurred.
What’s Subsequent
In a brief message from jail, Jah Treatment wrote on his Instagram: “See you in a single 12 months and few months.” However with this new ruling, it appears like that hope was removed from actuality.
The promoter survived, the decision stands, and the tradition retains shifting. Treatment as soon as advised World A Reggae that his subsequent album would inform “his aspect of the story.” Whether or not that album ever comes out, and the way followers will obtain it, stays to be seen.
Ultimate Ideas
Jah Treatment’s story has all the time been stuffed with ups and downs. From an upcoming star to jail, to stardom, and now again once more. It’s a tricky second for him and for reggae as an entire.
However like all the time, the music will go on, and hopefully, the teachings keep this time. We now have been advised by our dependable supply that Treatment is studying Dutch, so perhaps in the future we will count on a full album in Dutch from the singer.
by Danny Creatah
