Renowned Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, who recently served 13 years in prison, has shared a message of guidance for the younger generation following his release.
The 48-year-old musician, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was released after a recent judgment by the Jamaican Court of Appeal. A video circulating widely on social media captures Kartel leaving the prison yard and being escorted by friends.
In the video, Kartel offered his advice to young people, urging them to avoid crime. “Tell di youth ‘em fi stay outta crime, it nuh worth it, a waste a life, a waste a time Breda,” he said.
The advice comes after a long legal battle. Kartel, along with three co-defendants, was imprisoned following their 2014 conviction for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found. The case, largely based on circumstantial evidence, included discredited witness testimony and phone and video records from Kartel’s BlackBerry Torch.
Following Kartel’s release, Ghanaian dancehall artists Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have publicly praised his success and expressed plans to collaborate with him in the near future.
