Vybz Kartel is set to return to the stage months after being released from prison

Almost six months after being released from prison on an overturned murder conviction, the Jamaican dance sensation Vybz Kartel is about to return to the stage.

Cartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, spent 13 years behind bars after being found guilty of murdering Clive ‘The Lizard’ Williams in 2011. However, the controversial performer was acquitted earlier this year, paving the way for his long-awaited comeback.

Vybz Kartel will perform a New Year’s Eve concert at Kingston’s 35,000-capacity National Stadium, marking his grand return to the music scene.

A popular dancehall artist known for collaborations with global icons such as Eminem, Rihannaand Jay-Zwas sentenced to prison in 2014 after being convicted in Williams’ death. According to court records, Cartel allegedly gave two unlicensed guns to Williams and another man to hold him. A dispute over a missing firearm eventually led to Williams’ death.

Despite the seriousness of the case, Williams’ body has never been found, adding to the mystery of the entire ordeal, as reported Fox 5 New York. Kartel’s acquittal earlier this year reignited the conversation surrounding the case, but so far the focus has been on his return to the stage and the hype surrounding his New Year’s Eve performance.

Although he pleaded not guilty, Vybz Cartel and three other defendants—Sean Campbell, Cahira Jones, and Andre St. John—were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. BBC. Later, Kartel’s sentence was reduced to 32 and a half years, it is reported The New York Times.

After appealing to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, he referred the case to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, the highest appellate court in Jamaica and other countries, including the Bahamas and Grenada. In March, the Privy Council overturned the conviction, citing alleged jury misconduct.

Kartel, who spent 13 years behind bars before being acquitted earlier this year, is set to perform a massive New Year’s Eve concert at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, which holds around 35,000 people.

“The importance of this concert is that a whole generation of people have never seen Vybzkartel’s performances,” he said. The New York Times.

The 48-year-old artist also turned the performance around CollectorJamaican newspaper. “It gives Madonna energy, it gives it world class, because it’s a full stage atmosphere from four corners, almost 360,” he said. “The lights, the sound, the lasers, the surprises, it’s going to be like the NFL Super Bowl halftime show 2.0… It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.”

Kartel, who has worked with the likes of Eminem and Rihanna, is nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, having released dozens of songs while incarcerated. His nominated album “Party with Me” was released in May.

Citizens attend tomorrow’s much-anticipated Freedom Street concert at the National Stadium in Kingston consult that parking at the event site is prohibited. One-way traffic will be strictly enforced for smooth traffic flow.

Shuttle parks have been set up for concertgoers at Heroes Park, 8 West King’s House Road and Jamaica College. Motorists traveling on Mountain View Avenue and Arthur Wint Drive may experience disruption to normal traffic before, during and after the event, so attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Traffic officers will be stationed along the roads to help direct vehicles and members of the public are urged to follow their instructions to avoid delays.

In addition to parking restrictions, patrons are reminded that certain items will not be allowed into the stadium for security reasons. Prohibited items include firearms, explosives, knives, large igloos, glass bottles, large umbrellas and scissors. Concertgoers are encouraged to follow these rules to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Despite the tumultuous year 2024, Drake fans have plenty to look forward to in 2025, including a possible ‘PARTYNEXTDOOR’ joint album and Australian shows. However, some loyal followers believe we’re in for one last surprise before the end of the year, with speculation that Drake could perform at Vybz Kartel’s New Year’s Eve party in Kingston, Jamaica.

The star-studded event will also feature Skillibeng, Spice, Popcaan, Tommy Lee and more, although Drake has not been officially announced as an artist. While these rumors should be treated with caution, recent hints have added to the hype. One member of the concert crew mentioned “that man in Canada,” though they couldn’t release a name, leading many to believe it could be Drake.

Given his past support for Kartel and his love of dancehall, the possibility doesn’t seem too far-fetched.