The renowned Jamaican dancehall artist, Adidja Palmer, also known as Vybz Kartel is now a free man after spending twelve years in prison.

Vybz Kartel was released on Wednesday, following a Jamaican Court of Appeal order for the musician to be released together with three codefendants.

After his release on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Vybz Kartel shared photos of himself outside having a good time with his friends and girlfriend.

In a viral video posted by Vybz Kartel on X, the dancehall artist is seen seated in the back seat of a moving vehicle with his girlfriend, Sidem Ozturk who kissed him while the singer sips a bottle of Champagne.

“I’m out! Me and my wife,” Vybz Kartel said in the video.

In the video, the dancehall star had his head covered. However, one could see that his face was swollen on the cheeks, clearly indicating that his health is not very good.

Meanwhile, netizens have reacted to the video urging the singer to focus on regaining his health.

“What illness do you have, quick healing from nature, and rejuvenation. Kenya is waiting for your tour.”
Decapro

“Yooo Vybz you really look sick, your face is swollen, you are very pale.”
Fanya Mema

“12 years wasn’t good for him… Welcome home.”
Tweezy

In a unanimous decision, the court decided against a retrial in the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

The stunning decision means that Vybz Kartel, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John will be released after years behind bars.

“We conclude that the interest of justice does not require a new trial to be ordered,” the court read.

The court said that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that Kartel would not be able to complete a potentially longer sentence if there were to be a retrial.

The court cited the “psychological and financial effects that it would have on the appellants,” referring to Kartel’s health.

Vybz Kartel, formally known as Adidja Palmer – and his three co-defendants have been behind bars in a Jamaican prison since their arrests in 2011, and subsequent 2014 conviction, for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.

Ghanaian Dancehall Artists Hail Vybz Kartel

On Twitter, Stonebwoy chimed in on the frenzy surrounding the release of Vybz Kartel.

“Adidja Azim Palmer. Road ago bun up. Free at last. Bhim Festival?” the reigning Reggae Dancehall Artiste of the Year referenced his highly patronized stadium concert, with his post hinting at recruiting Vybz Kartel for the show.

His post has made him a target, with some fans, especially those from his archrival Shatta Wale’s camp labeling him as an opportunist.

The fans argue that while Shatta Wale joined dancehall stars worldwide to rally behind the Free Gaza movement with songs, Stonebwoy refused to follow suit.

Moreover, Ghanaian dancehall artist, Shatta Wale has been a loyalist of the Free Gaza movement, rallying to free Vyz Kartel despite his criminal background.