Vybz Kartel Urges Youth to Stay Away from Crime

Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall star Vybz Kartel, who has spent 12 years in prison, recently shared a message of caution with young people.

After his release from prison, following a decision by the Jamaican Court of Appeal, Kartel urged the youth to avoid crime.

In a video that quickly went viral, the 48-year-old, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was seen leaving prison and advising young people to steer clear of criminal activities, emphasizing that prison is a waste of time and life.

Kartel’s release was celebrated by Ghanaian Dancehall artists Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, who expressed their hopes of collaborating with him in the future.

Kartel, along with three co-defendants, had been incarcerated since 2011 following their conviction in 2014 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.

The case against them was largely based on circumstantial evidence, including video and phone records, and testimony from a discredited witness.

The Jamaican Court of Appeal’s decision to release Kartel and his co-defendants came after years of legal battles, including a significant appeal to the Privy Council in the UK.

This appeal was successful due to issues with juror misconduct. Kartel, who had been suffering from Graves’ Disease under harsh prison conditions, has always maintained his innocence.

The recent court decision marks a new chapter for the artist, who is now free from his wrongful conviction.