Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel demonstrated his media savviness in Trinidad and Tobago recently, deftly redirecting attention to his rum brand, STR8 VYBZ, even as his confirmed Carnival Friday performance looms. The controversial artiste, known for his witty lyricism and undeniable influence, attended the official launch of his rum at the Angostura Solera Wine and Spirits Retail Store in Port-of-Spain. Despite the media’s attempts to probe, Kartel played coy, keeping the focus on his entrepreneurial efforts while Carnival fans anticipated the revelation.
“I love Carnival,” Kartel enthused, serenading attendees with a line from Destra and Machel Montano’s iconic It’s Carnival. Yet, when pressed about his upcoming performance, he said, “I cannot speak to that right now because we are just promoting STR8 VYBZ to the Trinidad people, to the Caribbean people.” The carefully measured response heightened the intrigue, but sources have since confirmed the “Worl’ Boss” will indeed take the stage on Carnival Friday, marking his first appearance during Trinidad’s premier festival in over a decade.
Kartel’s involvement in Carnival has stirred mixed reactions. Critics argue that his participation could overshadow local soca artistes, especially during their most critical season. Soca star Kevon “Yankey Boy” Heath even staged a hunger strike in protest. Still, Kartel has framed his presence as a celebration of Caribbean unity. “This is a Caribbean effort,” he explained during the STR8 VYBZ launch. “It’s a joint collaboration between Jamaica and Trinidad.”
For Kartel, 2024 marks a triumphant return to the stage and the business world following his release from prison earlier this year. With a New Year’s Eve concert in Jamaica and now Carnival Friday in Trinidad, the dancehall icon is reclaiming his spot as a cultural powerhouse. Fans can now look forward to seeing the “Worl’ Boss” bring his unique energy to one of the region’s biggest stages, proving once again why his influence transcends borders and genres.
