Vybz Kartel: From Prison to Freedom and Music’s Future
NEW YORK – Adidja Palmer, widely recognized as Vybz Kartel, has transitioned from life in a Jamaican prison to freedom following a remarkable legal turnaround. His recent interview with FOX 5’s Lisa Evers marks his first public discourse since his release.
A Journey Through Injustice
In 2014, Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. However, after years of appeals, a significant ruling from the UK’s Privy Council in 2024 invalidated his conviction, pointing to issues such as juror misconduct. The Jamaican Court of Appeal subsequently opted against a retrial, leading to Kartel’s freedom on July 31, 2024.
Health Struggles Behind Bars
During his incarceration, Kartel faced severe health challenges, including a diagnosis of Graves’ disease, a serious thyroid condition. He recounted, “The last six months [inside] were the worst. Like the doctor said—I was literally fading away,” highlighting the dire conditions he endured, which included extreme temperatures and lack of basic facilities.
Resilience Through Family and Faith
Kartel attributes his strength during tumultuous times to his faith and his family. He expressed gratitude towards his legal team for their relentless efforts and emphasized that thoughts of his children motivated him through lengthy periods without contact, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
His sons, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi, joined the interview, sharing insights into their father’s parenting style. They described him as both strict and supportive of their musical aspirations, stating, “When it’s time to work—strict, yes—but he’s also very fun.”
Embracing Freedom and New Opportunities
With his newfound freedom, Kartel attended high-profile events, including the 2024 Grammy Awards and the MOBO Awards where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Reflecting on his rapid transition from prison to public life, he remarked, “I have to pinch myself—literally. A month before the red carpet, I was in prison.”
The artist is also in the process of creating new music and collaborating with prominent figures in the industry, including DJ Khaled, who he described as “a top chef—always cooking.”
Looking Ahead
Vybz Kartel’s story exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding power of music as a form of expression and hope. While maintaining his innocence regarding his previous conviction, he focuses on the future rather than dwelling on past challenges, saying, “Words can’t explain how blessed I feel, how lucky I feel.”
