Dancehall star Vybz Kartel, recently released from prison after spending more than a decade behind bars, has revealed plans to sue the State for the significant legal costs incurred during his lengthy legal battles. The announcement was made during a TikTok live session with his lawyer, Isat Buchanan, where Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, expressed frustration over the time he lost with his family during his incarceration.
Known to his fans as the ‘Worl’ Boss’, Vybz Kartel detailed the immense financial burden he faced throughout his legal journey. He disclosed that he spent over £600,000 (approximately J$119 million) for his appeal at the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, along with an additional J$14 million for his recent retrial. While he could not provide an exact figure for the costs associated with his initial 2014 murder trial, which lasted 65 days, he described the financial strain as overwhelming. In a previous ruling in March, the Privy Council quashed Kartel’s conviction and ordered the Government to cover his legal fees for the appeal.
“Mi can’t get back them time deh weh mi miss out,” Kartel lamented, reflecting on the years lost while he was incarcerated. He spoke emotionally about missing key moments in his family’s life, including his sons growing up, his daughter’s graduation, and the passing of his grandmother and other loved ones.
Despite the serious tone surrounding his legal battle, Vybz Kartel also energized his fans, known as ‘Gazanation,’ with news of his upcoming first live performance since his release. “The first show a inna December. Mi nah give unno the exact date yet but save unno money,” he announced, sparking excitement and discussion across social media. However, the timing of the concert has drawn mixed reactions from fans, given the usual financial pressures associated with the holiday season. Yet, as one fan pointed out, “Anything weh teacher [another Vybz Kartel nickname] say.”
As Vybz Kartel prepares for his legal fight and upcoming performance, the dancehall community and his supporters eagerly await the next chapter in the life of the ‘Worl’ Boss’.
