Vybz Kartel Plans First U.S. Show in Over Two Decades

Adidja Azim Palmer, famously known as Vybz Kartel, may be the only musician who has managed their comeback with such ease.

The “dancehall” icon was released from prison after serving 13 years after his 2014 murder conviction was overturned because of juror misconduct.

Vybz Kartel, who was convicted with a life sentence for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, the dancehall icon, was released from prison this summer.

Alongside his first Grammy nomination for best reggae album for his Party With Me EP, he promptly celebrated his release with a First Week Out mixtape.

This mixtape totaled the songs he secretly produced while in prison, including 2016’s “Fever.”

A few days ago, on March 3, Vybz Kartel revealed that he will be having a live concert in the United States.

This concert which will be his first in the country in over two decades would be held on April 11 in Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center.

Tickets for this event are set to go on sale for the conference presale, presented by Reggae Fest, starting Tuesday, March 4, at 10 a.m. EST, while the general public will go on sale Thursday, March 6, at 10 a.m. EST.

“This is a monumental moment for me and the culture; to be back on U.S. soil performing for my fans is a blessing that I don’t take lightly. The wait is finally over. New York, get ready,” Vybz stated.

Vybz Karter’s Career So Far

Vybz started out as a youngster in 1993 when he released his debut single, “Love Fat Woman,” using the moniker “Adi Banton.”

He later became part of a three-member group in 1996 called “Vybz Cartel,” which included him,  Mr. Lee, and Escobar.

After the group broke up, Vybz pursued a solo career and kept the moniker for himself, changing the “C” to “K.”

After releasing several successful singles in Jamaica and being noticed at a performance by Bounty Killer, Kartel rose to fame in 2003.

In 2014, he received a life sentence for the murder of one of his associates, Clive “Lizard” Williams, who died in August 2011.

Despite being imprisoned, Kartel frequently released new music, as in 2016, he published more than 50 new tracks.

In March 2024, the UK Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned Vybz Karter’s conviction, citing juror misconduct.

The Privy Council stated that the Jamaican Court of Appeal would have to determine whether a retrial would be held.

After the Court of Appeal decided not to retry the case, Kartel was freed from prison on July 31, 2024.