Embattled dancehall artist, Vybez Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has issued a stern warning to young people to avoid involvement in criminal activities, shortly after his release from prison.
Speaking to a throng of supporters and media outside the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court, Kartel emphasized that crime is not worth the consequences.
“Tell the youth to stay out of crime, it’s not worth it,” he cautioned.
Kartel’s release comes after serving a 12-year sentence for his conviction in the murder of associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. His incarceration has been marked by numerous appeals and legal battles.
The artist’s message is seen as a significant shift, given his past lyrics and public persona, which often glorified violence and gang culture.
However, Kartel’s experiences behind bars appear to have sparked a change of heart.
“I’ve been through the system, and I know what it’s like. I don’t want any young person to go through what I went through. Stay focused, stay positive, and work hard to achieve your goals.”
Vybz Kartel
Kartel’s plea has resonated with many in the music industry and beyond, who see his influence as an opportunity to steer young people away from crime and towards more productive paths.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Kartel is expected to leverage his platform to promote positivity and redemption, inspiring a new generation to make better choices.
Vybz Kartel emerged as one of the most influential artists in the music industry, not only within the dancehall genre but across various musical styles.
The musician who was released after years of imprisonment had a major impact on Kenyans over the years.
In the early 1990s, reggae music started gaining popularity in Kenya, but it was Vybz Kartel who deepened the roots of the genre in the country.
By incorporating melody, dancehall rap, and alternating various sounds and adlibs, Vybz Kartel over the years has proved to be an ear magnet among Kenyan ghetto youths.
His influences in Kenya are highly felt in the ghettos since he was also from a similar setting. His achievements regardless of where he came from inspired many young boys and girls to try a stroke of luck in the dancehall genre.
Many dancehall artists both gospel and secular got inspiration from Vybz Kartel.
Despite the challenges faced by Vybz Kartel, his legacy in Kenya’s dancehall scene remains powerful. From inspiring aspiring artists to shaping the sound and language of local music, his influence is undeniable.
Shatta Wale Plans To Visit Vybz Kartel After Release
Ghanaian dancehall artist, Shatta Wale was in a celebratory mood following the release of Vybz Kartel from prison.
The Jamaican artiste became a free man after a 12-year jail term, following a Court of Appeal’s decision not to retry him on murder charges.
Shatta Wale expressed his excitement following Vybz Kartel’s release from prison in a trending social media video.
The dancehall artist announced his plan to visit the artist at his residence in Jamaica and celebrate his newfound freedom with him.
Shatta Wale also declared his intention to become a servant to Vybz Kartel, whom he considers a mentor in the dancehall music genre.
“I will travel. I will go to Jamaica this time. You will see me on TikTok sweeping in front of Vybz Kartel’s gate. I will become his servant at his house.”
Shatta Wale
He also criticized some Ghanaian musicians for celebrating Vybz Kartel’s release despite not speaking about him on any platform before his new freedom.
Shatta Wale explained that he was the only Ghanaian musician who truly supported the artist throughout the years and had learned many things from him.
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