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Dancehall great and legend Adidja Azim Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel, has finally been freed from a Jamaican prison after he won an appeal for his case in an appellate court in London. The court ruled against a retrial, freeing him and his co-accused after time served. Vybz has been in prison for 13 years now, following accusations of murder.
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Who is Vybz Kartel?
Vybz Kartel is the most popular dancehall artist the world over. He is also popularly known as ‘World Boss’ and is considered a legend and the all-time dancehall GOAT. Vybz has a roster of hits from way back when, and kept singing while in prison dropping gems like ‘Colouring this Life‘.
Gaza vs Gully
Before going to prison, Vybz Kartel led the ‘Gaza’ movement, which was a subculture of the then dancehall scene in Jamaica. Gaza had its arch-nemesis ‘Gully’, headed by Mavado, a fellow dancehall artist.
Why did they Imprison Vybz Kartel?
Vybz Kartel was co-accused of the 2011 murder of his associate Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. He was accused of the murder and charged with three others: Andre St. John, Kahira Jones, and Shawn Campbell. As a result, Vybz was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014. Vybz Kartel has now been freed after an appellate court ruled for juror misconduct.
Free World Boss
Vybz was released on time served after he won an appeal on juror misconduct. One of the jurors in his case was accused of offering bribes to the other jurors to rescind a no-guilty verdict. The court ruled that this was “an infringement of the [defendant’s] rights” and was “fatal to the convictions that followed”. Vybz had appealed to the Privy Council in London, the highest court of appeal in Jamaica. His 64-day trial was one of the longest in Jamaican history. [Source: BBC]
Vybz Kartel’s Legacy
Vybz Kartel is credited with bringing dancehall into the mainstream with instantly recognizable hits like ‘Clarks‘. Vybz featured Popcaan in ‘Clarks‘ and is considered to have mentored Popcaan into the artist he is today. Yes, Popcaan is Vybz Kartel’s prodigy.
What Next for Vybz Kartel?
Vybz Kartel will finally get a chance to be with his family and kids. He will also get the chance to enjoy all the revenues he has made from the roster of hits he recorded while in prison. Kartel’s versatility and his dedication to his craft sets him apart. Fans are going wild in jubilation after his release.
Listen to ‘Clarks’ by Vybz Kartel
All I can say is… expect hits. Loads and loads of dancehall vibes. Vybz Kartel doesn’t just play around with the music, he has this energy about him that just entunes the heartstrings. His songs may be considered a little too naughty and raw for some, but they have been songs we grew up with and grew to love. Oooo!
David Mania
