Jamaican Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has revealed plans to host his first concert in over a decade, marking a significant milestone in his career. In an exclusive interview with TVJ’s ER.
Kartel expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, slated for December 2024 in Jamaica, with future international dates to follow.
With a hint of humour, he quipped that fans may need to make a drastic sacrifice – “selling an organ or two” – to secure tickets to the highly-anticipated show.
“I’ve heard the cries of my fans for a comeback concert, and we’re making it happen,” Kartel stated.Following his highly anticipated release from prison on July 31, fans worldwide, particularly in Jamaica and the Caribbean, have been eagerly clamoring for a live performance from Vybz Kartel.
The Jamaica Court of Appeal’s unanimous decision to free Kartel and his three co-defendants, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John, marked a significant turn of events. The court ruled against a retrial in the murder case of Clive “Lizard” Williams, citing insufficient grounds for a new trial. (Related articles: Vybz Kartel: Dancehall icon freed from prison after 13 years behind bars, Jamaican govt ordered to cover legal fees for Vybz Kartel’s successful conviction appeal)
Notably, the court considered the potential psychological and financial impacts on the appellants, including Kartel’s health, should a retrial occur.
After spending years behind bars since their 2011 arrests and 2014 conviction, the four men were finallyVybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, is one of Jamaica’s most renowned musical figures and has worked with global stars like Rihanna and Jay-Z.
Kartel is also known for his 2009 collaboration with Major Lazer on “Pon De Floor,” which was later sampled in Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls).”
The 2014 trial, the longest in Jamaica’s history at 64 days, resulted in life sentences for all the accused. St. John and Kartel were handed minimum sentences of 35 and 30 years, respectively, while Campbell and Jones received 25-year minimum sentences.
Throughout their imprisonment, Kartel and his co-defendants maintained their innocence.