Adidja Azim Palmer, known as Vybz Kartel, was born on January 7, 1976, in the Waterford district of Jamaica and is a prominent reggae dancehall artist. He released his first single, “Fat Women,” at age 12 and became a protégé of Bounty Killer. By 2002, he had collaborated with Wayne Marshall and won DJ of the Year at Stone Love’s 30th anniversary.
Vybz Kartel is known for hits like “Romping Shop” (2009) and “Dancehall Hero” (2010), and has collaborated with international stars such as Rihanna and Jay-Z. He also established his own record label, Adidjahiem Records.
In 2011, he was arrested for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Convicted in 2014, he was sentenced to 35 years, later reduced to 32 and a half. Vybz Kartel maintained his innocence and appealed the conviction. In March, the UK’s privy council quashed the conviction due to a juror’s bribery attempts, leading to his release after 13 years.
Upon his release, Palmer was met by supporters in Kingston and celebrated on social media. His health and the elapsed time since the alleged offense were factors against a retrial.
Palmer, 48, is one of Jamaica’s most successful dancehall musicians. His debut album “Up 2 Di Time” came out in 2003, and he achieved international recognition with tracks like “Pon De Floor” with Major Lazer. Two co-defendants, Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell and Andre St John, were also freed, while Kahira Jones remains in custody due to a separate sentence.
