Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artist and Afro-dancehall pioneer, Stonebwoy expressed his elation at the recent news of Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel gaining his long-awaited freedom after spending nеаrlу 13-уеаr behind bars.
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, was convicted of murder in 2014 and had been serving a life sentence until the Jamaica Court of Appeal dесіdеd аgаіnѕt а rеtrіаl fоr the dаnсеhаll ѕuреrѕtаr аnd thrее оthеr mеn ассuѕеd іn thе 2011 murdеr оf Сlіvе ‘Lіzаrd’ Wіllіаmѕ.
In a unanimous decision Wednesday, the court decided against a retrial in the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.
#MccallOnlineNews®: Jamaican dancehall superstar @vybz_Official spotted coming out prison after him and his three codefendants were freed earlier today. #VybzKartelhttps://t.co/HGWTw2i9LH pic.twitter.com/g2unRLlw2U
— 𝗠𝗰𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗱𝘇𝗼 𝕏 ✍️🎵🎬 (@mccallkwadzo) July 31, 2024
Stonebwoy, known for his own pioneering contributions to the Afrobeats and reggae-dancehall genres, took to his X page to celebrate Kartel’s release, simply stating “Free at last” in a post that quickly garnered thousands of likes and shares from fans across the globe.
The Afro-dancehall superstar even made a rare hint, asking fans if he should represent this year’s Bhim Festival, his annual African-Caribbean festival setup to celebrate Jamaica and Ghana’s music, culture, and sound influence, which top Jamiacan artists like Morgan Heritage Band, Beenie Man, Admiral T, Jahmiel, and 10tik, among others, have represented, courtesy of Stonebwoy.
“Adidja Azim Palmer. Road Ago Bun Up. Free at Last. Bhimfestival ????”
Adidja Azim Palmer.
Road Ago Bun Up.
Free at Last.
Bhimfestival ????? pic.twitter.com/XW4QRF9CaV— 1GAD (@stonebwoy) July 31, 2024
The two artists, while hailing from different countries, have long been seen as kindred spirits in the world of contemporary Caribbean-influenced music, with their hard-hitting, socially-conscious lyrics and dynamic stage presences earning them legions of devoted followers.
Stonebwoy’s enthusiastic response to Kartel’s overturned conviction underscores the deep respect and camaraderie that exists between the leading lights of the vibrant, ever-evolving dancehall scene, as one generation of trailblazers passes the torch to the next.
The news of Kartel’s freedom, after nearly a decade of legal battles, has undoubtedly sparked widespread joy and optimism among artists and listeners alike, who eagerly await his long-anticipated return to the studio and the stage.
#MccallOnlineNews®: World Boss, @Vybz_Official chilling with his fiancée, a Turkish social worker, Sidem Ozturk.
Ozturk told journalist Lisa Evers that she and Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, got engaged in the summer of 2022 during an authorized prison visit. pic.twitter.com/9kvBU22Apd
— 𝗠𝗰𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗱𝘇𝗼 𝕏 ✍️🎵🎬 (@mccallkwadzo) July 31, 2024
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