Jamaican Dancehall star, Adidja Aziz Palmer, better known in dancehall spheres as Vybz Kartel, after his release from prison, has cautioned the youth to stay out of criminal-related activities.
The renowned artiste, in a viral video recorded in the prison courtyard after his release, asked the youth who looked up to him to stay out of acts that would lead them to prison, since it was not worth it.
“Tell di youth dem fi stay outta crime, it nuh worth it, a waste ah time, ah waste ah life, to wit tell the youth to stay out of crime, it is not worth it. A waste of time, a waste of life, ”he said.
Vybz Kartel, along with his accomplices Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, Andre St. John, and Shane Williams, was arrested on September 29, 2011, for the murder of Jamaican event promoter Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.
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The allegations stemmed from an incident in which Williams was allegedly beaten and killed at the dancehall star’s home in Kingston, Jamaica. However, Williams’ body was not found at the crime scene.
The dancehall star was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 35 years, which was later reduced to 32-and-a-half years on appeal.
After several years passed, the Jamaican Court of Appeal ordered the dancehall giant’s release, citing his struggles with Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, a condition characterised by an overactive thyroid gland.
On July 31, 2024, the court unanimously decided that a retrial was unnecessary, citing the psychological and financial toll of a prolonged legal battle, particularly given Kartel’s health issues.
The court chose not to pursue further prosecution after his conviction was quashed by the British Privy Council earlier that year. Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John were released from prison after years of incarceration.
The news of his release sent social media into a frenzy, with Ghanaian dancehall artistes, including Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and others, showing support for him.
