In an exclusive interview with FOX 5 New York, the now-freed dancehall star Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, expressed the overwhelming sense of liberation he feels after his release from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre. “The feeling of just being free is an amazing feeling,” Kartel shared, adding, “It’s so surreal I have to pinch myself just to see that I’m awake.” The interview, aired on Sunday, marked Kartel’s first public interview since his release.
Kartel recounted the moment he learned of his newfound freedom. His partner, Sidem Ozturk, delivered the life-changing news in a phone call, exclaiming, “Babe, I’m on my way to get you__ baby, you’re free.” Despite the immediate release of an EP following his exit from prison, Kartel emphasized that his primary focus is now on reconnecting with his family and regaining his health. He revealed he has an abundance of unreleased music, stating, “Mi have albums worth of songs, so a lot of writing about the situation, not about the situation.”
Looking ahead, the Portmore deejay is eager to return to the stage before the end of the year. However, he is taking his time to ensure his well-being and to reconnect with his loved ones after years apart. Kartel’s release follows a lengthy legal battle, culminating in the UK Privy Council quashing his 2014 murder conviction on the grounds of jury misconduct. While prosecutors initially aimed for a retrial, the Jamaica Court of Appeal decided against it, allowing Kartel and his former co-accused to walk free due to the extensive resources required and the unique circumstances of the case.
As Vybz Kartel steps into this new chapter of his life, the dancehall community and his fans worldwide eagerly await his return to the music scene, hopeful for a revival of his influential career and contributions to the genre.
