Clyde McKenzie Hails Vybz Kartel as One of Jamaica's Best Songwriters — But Says Bob Marley Remains the Benchmark

Music consultant Clyde McKenzie has hailed Vybz Kartel as one of Jamaica’s better songwriters, praising the Dancehall star’s lyrical gifts, wordplay and use of metaphors, while maintaining that Bob Marley remains the ultimate benchmark against which Jamaican musical greatness is measured.

McKenzie shared his assessment during an Entertainment Report feature examining the enduring legacy of Marley and the growing debate surrounding comparisons between the Reggae icon and Vybz Kartel. The discussion was reignited after producer Skatta Burrell suggested that Kartel’s remarkable life story could eventually become bigger than Marley’s. While McKenzie stopped short of making a direct comparison, he was emphatic about Kartel’s creative ability. “Kartel is brilliant,” he said, adding that although some of the deejay’s material may not appeal to everyone, listeners who pay close attention to his writing can appreciate his command of language, metaphors and lyrical construction.

However, McKenzie argued that Marley occupies a space that extends far beyond comparisons with other Jamaican artistes. He described the late Reggae legend as a “touchstone” for Jamaican musical greatness and likened his importance to reggae and Jamaican music to Shakespeare’s significance to the English language. McKenzie noted that Marley is now discussed alongside global music giants such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Paul McCartney and John Lennon, giving him a level of universal recognition and cultural reverence that remains unique.

That does not diminish Kartel’s own contribution, according to McKenzie. He acknowledged the Dancehall star’s enormous cultural influence and suggested that his story is still unfolding, leaving room for his legacy to grow even further. For now, McKenzie believes Jamaica should resist turning two exceptional artistes into rivals. Bob Marley, he said, remains “special” and the benchmark, while Vybz Kartel is a super-talented, brilliant creative force whose impact on Dancehall and Jamaican culture continues to evolve.