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Tag: dancehall reggae

  • Vybz Kartel, Dancehall Reggae Artist, Sentenced To Life In Prison

    Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, and three other associates were sentenced to life in prison for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

    During the 65-day trial, considered as one of the longest in Jamaican history, fans of the artist showed their support while standing outside the Kingston courthouse waiting for the judge’s verdict.

    Judge Lennox Campbell stated that Kartel must serve prison time for 35 years before he can be qualified for parole. That would mean that he will be 73-years-old by the time he gets out of prison on parole. Other associates who also received a life sentence were Andre St. John, Shawn Campbell, and Kahira Jones. A fourth associate, Shane Williams, was the only one who did not receive a guilty verdict from the jury, but is still facing a different murder case.

    In 2011, Williams was called to Kartel’s residence to be questioned for two missing guns that Kartel owned. He was beaten to death, but his body was never found. The most incriminating evidence that helped convict Kartel of murder was a text message that was retrieved from his phone. The message stated that William’s body has been chopped up into fine pieces and that it will never be discovered.

    The judge’s decision brought Kartel’s fans to a frenzy. One woman shouted, “Wickedness! They take away the ‘world boss,” calling Kartel by one of his nicknames.

    Kartel’s case is controversial and has been difficult for the victim’s relatives, witnesses, and even officers. Williams’ family has been receiving threats. Detective Sgt. Patrick Linton’s home was attacked with a fire bomb. He is one of the people who testified against Kartel.

    Williams’ murder is not the only case the 38-year-old artist is involved with. In 2011, he was arrested on drug charges, and just last year, he was involved in a case for Barrington “Bossy” Burton’s murder, which eventually collapsed due to lack of evidence.

    Even through Kartel has been in jail since 2011, he was still able to record and release new songs from his jail cell with the use of a smartphone. He was also able to co-write a book about his life entitled “The Voice of the Jamaica Ghetto.”

    Tad Dawkins of Tad’s Records, the label that released three of Kartel’s albums, said that Jamaica is saddened by the news, as Kartel has contributed a lot to reggae music. “We will support him in any way that we can,” he says.

    Tom Tavares-Finson, Kartel’s representative, said that they are planning to file an appeal.

    The Jamaica Gleaner reports from the streets of Jamaica

    Image via YouTube

  • Vybz Kartel: Jamaican Dancehall Artist Found Guilty In The Murder Of Clive “Lizard” Williams

    Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, was convicted of murder in the Caribbean Supreme Court. 10 of the 11-person jury found the Jamaican dancehall artist guilty, along with three others – Andre St. John, Kahira Jones, and Shawn Campbell. Shane Williams, another associate, was the only one found not guilty.

    Although Vybz Kartel has been spending the last three years of his life in jail, his songs continue to be played and he is still considered a hero by many young Jamaicans. He is known for his innovative lyrics that often have a violent nature. He has also co-written a book while in prison entitled The Voice Of The Jamaican Ghetto: Incarcerated but not Silenced. The book was released in 2012.

    Outside the streets of the Supreme Court, Jamaican police in full riot gear stood by while throngs of Vybz Kartel’s supporters waited for the verdict. They were ready for any outburst or disruption that may occur. The artist’s fans have already broke through barricades just before the jury session started and some 200 people were shouting “Free Kartel!”

    Vybz Kartel supporters gathered in front of the courthouse before verdict was read

    The trial went on for 65 days, which is the longest hearing that Jamaica’s court system has ever had.

    According to prosecutors, Clive “Lizard” Williams was murdered in August 2011 in Vybz Kartel’s home. Williams was said to be beaten to death over missing guns that belonged to Vybz Kartel. The victim’s body has never turned up. During the trial, police also testified that they were able to recover a text message from the artist’s mobile phone that said that Williams’ body has been chopped up so fine that it will never be found.

    Hip hop artist Busta Rhymes of Jamaican heritage was outside the courthouse to give Kartel support

    Another twist to the high-profile case was the arrest of a male juror who was said to have attempted to bribe the jury supervisor to sway the panel into freeing Vybz Kartel.

    This is not the first time Vybz Kartel got in trouble with the law. The artist, together with two others, allegedly killed businessman Barrington “Bossy” Burton in 2011. However, Vybz Kartel was found not guilty due to the lack of evidence from the prosecutors.

    Vybz Kartel’s lawyer speaks about Kartel’s acquittal in the Barrington “Bossy” Burton murder trial

    Vybz Kartel’s sentencing is slated for March 27. His lead attorneys are planning to appeal the verdict, as they say that there is a lack of hard evidence that links Vybz Kartel and his associates to Williams’ murder. They also say that the case against the artist is a conspiracy by the police in order to frame him.

    Vybz Kartel feat. Spice : ‘Romping Shop’ — Big Tune!

    Image via YouTube