“He’s playing the long game.” That is how veteran producer Cordel “Skatta” Burrell characterises Vybz Kartel’s approach to building a lasting legacy, arguing that the dancehall superstar is planting the seeds for a legacy that could ultimately surpass that of Bob Marley. Speaking with Anthony Miller on Entertainment Report, Skatta pointed to Kartel’s extraordinary influence, longevity, discipline and ability to remain relevant, insisting that his impact should not be measured solely by Billboard achievements.
Skatta’s assessment comes despite acknowledging a major distinction between the two Jamaican icons. While Marley achieved multiple appearances on the Billboard 200, Kartel has yet to enter either the Billboard Hot 100 or Billboard 200. However, Skatta argues that Kartel’s circumstances are fundamentally different, noting that the independent artiste does not have the same major-label machinery behind him. Instead, he credits Kartel with developing a formula built around relevance, timing and consistency. “The man knows how to stay relevant,” Skatta said, highlighting Kartel’s ability to transcend trends, know when to speak and when to remain silent.
For Skatta, the comparison with Marley is ultimately about legacy rather than charts. He argues that Marley’s enormous posthumous stature was built on the seeds he planted during his lifetime, when he toured extensively, reached massive audiences and established himself as an international star. Skatta sees a similar process unfolding with Kartel, pointing to the artiste’s continued output and work ethic since his release from prison. “We’re planting and we’re sowing seeds,” he said, stressing that Kartel’s team remains focused on its own path rather than competing directly with other artistes.
Skatta went even further when asked whether Kartel is the most influential DJ of his era, answering emphatically that he is. He argued that influencing two or three generations is an extraordinary achievement and declared that he knows of no other artiste who has accomplished what Kartel has done both inside and outside prison. For Skatta, Kartel’s ability to sell out major venues and remain culturally relevant demonstrates that his story is still being written.
As Kartel continues his post-prison career, Skatta believes the focus should remain on the long-term picture. His argument is not that Kartel has already surpassed Marley, but that the foundations for such a legacy are being laid now. Whether history ultimately validates that prediction remains to be seen, but for Skatta, the seeds are already in the ground.
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