On July 31, 2024, Vybz Kartel was launched from jail after greater than a decade behind bars, following the Jamaican Courtroom of Attraction’s resolution to overturn his homicide conviction on the grounds of juror misconduct.
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Precisely one 12 months later, the dancehall veteran stands not simply as a free man, however as a Grammy-nominated artist, a worldwide performer, and a renewed cultural voice in Jamaican music.
Inside hours of his launch, Kartel dropped the mixtape First Week Out, that includes fellow dancehall artist Squash. The venture sparked widespread consideration, reintroducing the “Worl’ Boss” to followers previous and new. Over the next months, he remained prolific within the studio, constructing towards his subsequent main launch.
In January 2025, Kartel launched the tenth Anniversary version of his album Viking (Vybz Is King), that includes seven new tracks recorded post-release. The deluxe reissue marked a symbolic celebration of his return to music and was promoted forward of the 2025 Grammy Awards.
His 2024 EP Social gathering With Me earned him a nomination for Greatest Reggae Album on the 2025 Grammy Awards — his first Grammy nod in a decades-long profession. The nomination positioned him alongside worldwide heavyweights, cementing his return to world recognition and validating the energy of his post-prison inventive output.
Stay performances adopted swiftly. Kartel made his extremely anticipated return to the Jamaican stage on New 12 months’s Eve 2024, headlining the Freedom Road live performance at Kingston’s Nationwide Stadium earlier than tens of 1000’s of followers. In July 2025, he appeared at Wi-fi Pageant in London, marking his first main UK look in 20 years. The efficiency — which included a shock joint second with Drake — was hailed as one of many standout units of the competition. Just a few weeks later, he was topped “King of the Dancehall” at Reggae Sumfest.
Within the U.S., Kartel played back-to-back sold-out shows in Brooklyn, drawing huge crowds and reaffirming his place as one in every of dancehall’s most enduring figures. The occasions kicked off the Worl’ Boss Tour, which incorporates stops in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, with appearances scheduled throughout Germany, France, the Netherlands, Trinidad, and Guyana.
Kartel has additionally spoken brazenly about prioritizing his well being after years of incarceration. He continues to handle Graves’ illness and different associated circumstances with common physician visits and a dedication to every day exercises and clear consuming. In his private life, he confirmed his engagement to longtime accomplice Sidem Öztürk in late 2024 and has remained carefully concerned along with his kids, significantly his sons pursuing music careers.
In early 2025, Vybz Kartel additionally relocated to South Florida, the place he’s been recording new music and re-establishing his presence within the U.S. leisure scene.
Maybe most importantly, Vybz Kartel’s message has advanced. In interviews since his launch, he has inspired younger individuals to show away from violence and towards training and progress. “Keep away from gangsterism,” he stated in an interview with The Guardian.
One 12 months into his freedom, Kartel’s story is not outlined by courtrooms, however by creativity, readability, and management. From a Grammy nomination to sold-out arenas, the dancehall legend’s return has been nothing in need of historic.
