Jamaica’s dancehall music scene was rocked once again when 48-year-old artist Vybz Kartel was freed after serving more than 13 years in prison for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
Kartel, whose real name is Adiyah Palmer, was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 with a minimum sentence of 35 years, but the UK Supreme Court overturned the verdict in March, finding the trial was unfair.
The case began in 2011, when Williams and another man disappeared after being summoned to Kartel’s home. Prosecutors claimed the two were assaulted because they failed to return a gun they had left with Kartel by the deadline.
Although Williams’ body was never found and Kartel has consistently maintained his innocence, a lower court found him guilty of murder.
However, Kartel’s defense team appealed to the UK Supreme Court, which serves as the highest court of appeal for Jamaica and the Commonwealth, alleging that a jury was bribed during the trial.
The Supreme Court agreed with the argument and ruled that the failure to remove the juror from the trial rendered the verdict unreliable, ordering a retrial by the Jamaican Court of Appeals.
On Wednesday, the Jamaican Court of Appeals ruled not to allow a retrial, meaning Cartel could soon be released.
Who is Vybz Kartel?
Vybz Kartel or Adidja Azim Palmer, is a Jamaican dancehall artist known for his provocative lyrics and controversial public persona. Born in 1976, Kartel began his career as a teenager under the moniker Adi Banton. He rose to fame in the early 2000s, becoming known for his distinctive voice, catchy beats, and explicit content.
Kartel released several successful albums and singles throughout his career, collaborating with various artists such as Major Lazer, Rihanna, and Jay-Z. His music often touched on themes of sex, violence, and social issues, earning him both a devoted following and criticism for his controversial lyrics. Some of his most popular songs include “Romping Shop,” “Dancehall Hero,” and “Summer Time.”
Murder case
In 2014, even Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams, a conviction he maintained was unjust. He continued to release music prolifically, further solidifying his influence in the dancehall scene. His 2016 album, “King of the Dancehall,” was a commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard Reggae Charts.
Throughout his career, Kartel has been both celebrated and criticized. He has been praised for his musical talent and influence on the dancehall genre but also condemned for his explicit lyrics and alleged involvement in criminal activities. He has been nominated for several awards, including the MOBO Awards, and has received recognition as a major figure in Jamaican music.
Vybz Kartel is back.
In 2024, Kartel’s murder conviction was overturned by the UK Privy Council due to juror misconduct, leading to his release from prison on July 31st. The Jamaican Court of Appeal decided not to retry him, citing his poor health. This decision marked a significant turning point in Kartel’s life and career, ending his long legal battle and allowing him to return to the music industry.
Kartel’s release has been met with mixed reactions, with some celebrating his return and others expressing concerns about his controversial past. Regardless of the opinions surrounding him, Vybz Kartel’s impact on dancehall music is undeniable, as one of the genre’s most influential and controversial figures is cemented.
