Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has been freed from prison after the Jamaican Court of Appeal decided against a retrial for his murder charge. Kartel, who was jailed in 2014 for the alleged killing of Clive “Lizard” Williams alongside his co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John, has consistently maintained his innocence despite an initial life sentence then 35-year minimum.
His conviction was overturned in March by the UK’s Privy Council, which ruled that the presence of a potentially biased juror rendered the trial unfair, though he remained in jail awaiting the retrial decision. On Wednesday, July 31, the Jamaican court cited the “passage of time, lack of access to witnesses and evidence and the huge expense of a retrial,” along with Kartel’s declining health due to Graves’ disease, as reasons for their decision.
Kartel’s release marks a significant moment for the dancehall music scene and the Jamaican judicial system. Known for hits like “Fever,” “Romping Shop” and “Frontin’” with Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z, Kartel’s influence has somehow only grown during his imprisonment with many believing he was falsely accused.
While fans and other music industry giants like Drake, Busta Rhymes and Dancehall queen Spice celebrate his release on Instagram and X, others are shocked and disappointed that he is free or suspicious that the person released is not actually Kartel due to his changed appearance. There also remains a somber reminder of the unresolved disappearance of Clive Williams, whose death details still remain much unknown.
