After nearly 13 years behind bars, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is set to make a historic return to the stage. The iconic artist will perform live at Jamaica’s National Stadium on New Year’s Eve, marking his first concert since his incarceration in 2011. In a recent interview, Kartel opened up about his life-changing journey, his first-ever Grammy nomination, and his perspective on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar debate.
Freedom After Years of Injustice
Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, was released in September 2024 after the UK’s Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned his murder conviction due to jury misconduct. The case, marred by controversies and a historic 64-day trial, ended when the Jamaican government dropped charges, granting Kartel his long-awaited freedom. Now, he’s embracing life with his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, his children, and even his first grandchild. “God is the greatest,” Kartel said in a candid interview. “I was never a religious person, but what I’ve been through changed me.”
Celebrating the Legacy
The Freedom Street concert promises a star-studded lineup, with performances by Kartel’s sons, Likkle Addi and Likkle Vybz, as well as dancehall heavyweights like Spice, Popcaan, and Tommy Lee. Rising stars inspired by Kartel, such as Skillibeng and Chronic Law, will also take the stage. “This is the greatest assemblage of artists in dancehall history,” Kartel declared. “It’s like the Avengers, and I’m Tony Stark. Thanos, watch out!”
The Evolution of a Dancehall Titan
Vybz Kartel’s career spans decades, from his early days as Adi Banton in the 1990s to his meteoric rise in the 2000s with hits like “Gun Clown.” Despite being imprisoned, Kartel continued to dominate the dancehall scene, recording music using creative means and releasing chart-toppers like the gold-certified “Fever.” His album Party With Me, recorded in prison, earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.
Kartel reflected on his anthem “Any Weather,” recorded in 2016 while incarcerated: “It’s a powerful song… an anthem for upliftment.” Now, with new collaborations featuring Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and longtime supporter Drake, Kartel is entering a new era of his illustrious career.
A New Chapter
The dancehall star has left past feuds behind, including those with Bounty Killer and Mavado, and is focusing on positivity and legacy. “The original Vybz Kartel was the war angel. Now, I’m just chilling. I’m not involved in feuds anymore,” he shared. In addition to his music, Kartel is promoting his rum and rolling paper brands and working on a book chronicling his prison experience.
With his Freedom Street concert, Vybz Kartel is not just reclaiming his place in dancehall but cementing his status as a cultural icon who defied the odds. As he says, “Spread the love, spread the energy. God is the greatest.”
