Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, known legally as Adidja Palmer, awaits a critical ruling from the Jamaican Supreme Court today, Judge Andrea Thomas presiding. The case concerns his 2014 murder conviction, for which he and co-defendants have served 12 years of a life sentence.
In March 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged when Kartel’s conviction was overturned. Today’s decision will determine if he faces a retrial.
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Health concerns surround Kartel’s case. Human rights attorney Isat Buchanan revealed in 2023 that the artist battles a life-threatening illness. Compounding the situation, Kartel reportedly spent a week in solitary confinement for a minor infraction, raising concerns about his well-being.
Despite these challenges, Kartel’s musical creativity has flourished even behind bars. He holds the record for releasing over 50 songs in a single year (2016). His album “King of the Dancehall” received significant acclaim, with the lead single “Fever” topping charts.