Vybz Kartel, a name synonymous with dancehall music, has navigated one of the most dramatic and scrutinized paths in contemporary music history. From his arrest in 2011 to his highly publicized legal battles, and ultimate release in August 2024, Kartel’s life has been a whirlwind of controversy, musical genius, and relentless media attention. This detailed timeline chronicles Kartel’s legal journey, music releases, major achievements, and the myriad controversies that have both marred and defined his career. As we trace the steps from his initial arrest to his eventual liberation, we uncover a story of resilience and complexity, reflecting the indomitable spirit of an artist who has left an indelible mark on the world of dancehall.
May 2011: Fallout with Corey Todd
– Vybz Kartel and his business partner Corey Todd parted ways amid allegations of threats and disagreements over business operations. The split resulted in the discontinuation of their Street Vybz Rum and the closure of the Building nightclub.
September 29, 2011: Initial Arrest
– Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, was arrested at a New Kingston hotel for marijuana possession. This led to further investigations and more serious charges.
October 3, 2011: First Murder Charge
– Kartel was charged with the murder of Barrington “Bossie” Burton, who was shot and killed in Gregory Park, St. Catherine.
October 14, 2011: Second Murder Charge
– Kartel faced additional charges for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, who was allegedly killed over a missing firearm.
November 2011: Gaza Slim’s Arrest
– Vanessa Saddler, known as Gaza Slim and later Vanessa Bling, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. She filed a false police report claiming she was robbed by Clive Williams to provide an alibi for Kartel.
2011: Music Release – “Dancehall Hero”
– The first song Kartel released while behind bars, maintaining his presence in the music industry despite his incarceration.
2012: Accusations of Betrayal
– During his 2012 murder trial, Kartel accused Popcaan and Tommy Lee Sparta of betrayal. He claimed they abandoned him during his darkest hours and did not visit him in prison. This led to a public fallout and Kartel disbanding the Portmore Empire, calling out several members for disloyalty.
April 2012: Leaked Voice notes
– Leaked voice notes involving Tommy Lee Sparta and producer Elvis Redwood, where Tommy Lee can be heard crying, surfaced in early 2012. These voice notes reportedly captured an emotional conversation between the two, adding to the controversies and public interest surrounding the legal troubles and internal conflicts within the Gaza camp during that time. They were alleged to have been leaked by Vybz Kartel.
May 2012: Reconciliation with Corey Todd
– Vybz Kartel and Corey Todd reconciled in May 2012. They decided to revive their business ventures, including the popular Street Vybz Rum, planning to make it an international brand.
2013: Diss Tracks
– Kartel released diss tracks aimed at Popcaan and Tommy Lee Sparta. Songs like “Betray Di Gaza Boss” highlighted the tension within the Gaza camp.
November 2013: Trial for Clive Williams’ Murder Begins
– The trial began in the Home Circuit Court, lasting 65 days. The prosecution’s case relied on text messages, video footage, and witness testimonies.
March 13, 2014: Conviction
– Kartel and co-accused Shawn “Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John were found guilty of the murder of Clive Williams. The jury delivered the verdict after nearly two hours of deliberation.
April 3, 2014: Sentencing
– Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 35 years. His co-accused received similar sentences.
April 27, 2014: Owen Ellington’s Accusation
– Jamaican Police Commissioner Owen Ellington accused Kartel of being responsible for over 100 murders. This statement was made during an interview and sparked widespread controversy.
July 2014: Owen Ellington’s Resignation
– Ellington resigned, citing personal reasons. However, it was speculated that his resignation was due to internal pressure and controversies surrounding his handling of the Kartel case.
2014: Music Release – “Business”
– Despite being incarcerated, Kartel continued to release music. His song “Business” was a significant hit, demonstrating his ability to maintain a presence in the music industry.
2014-2020: Appeals Process
– Multiple appeals were filed, citing procedural errors and issues with evidence. The Jamaican Court of Appeal upheld the convictions in April 2020 but reduced parole eligibility to 32.5 years.
2016: Allegations of Ordering Murder of Popcaan
– Allegations surfaced that Kartel had ordered the murder of his former protégé, Popcaan, through the Clansman gang. This was reportedly thwarted by the police. The accusations were later dismissed by both Kartel and Popcaan.
2016: Music Release – “Fever”
– Kartel released “Fever,” one of his most popular songs, which gained international acclaim and further cemented his legacy in dancehall music.
April 2017: “Loodi” Controversy with Shenseea
– The original version of “Loodi” was uploaded to Kartel’s Vevo channel, sparking controversy. Kartel claimed the song was not meant to be a collaboration with Shenseea, leading to public disputes between their camps. Producer Elvis Redwood later clarified that it was his decision to include Shenseea on the track.
2018: Breakup with Tanesha “Shorty” Johnson
– Vybz Kartel and Tanesha “Shorty” Johnson, his long-time partner and mother of his children, reportedly separated in 2018. Despite their separation, Kartel dedicated his 2020 album “To Tanesha” to her.
March 2021: Cell Search Incident
– Authorities conducted a thorough search of Kartel’s cell, finding contraband including mobile phones, which led to disciplinary actions.
April 2022: Rvssian’s Instagram Live
– Kartel appeared on a live Instagram session hosted by producer Rvssian, raising questions about his access to mobile devices and prison security.
June 2023: Health Issues
– Kartel’s lawyer reported that he was suffering from Graves’ disease and other health problems exacerbated by prison conditions. This was highlighted during appeals as part of the argument for his release.
July 2023: Engagement to Sidem Ozturk
– Kartel got engaged to Turkish fiancée Sidem Ozturk while in prison. She supported him throughout his legal battles, and their relationship garnered significant media attention.
February 14-15, 2024: Privy Council Hearing
– The Privy Council in the UK heard Kartel’s appeal. His defense argued that the jury was tainted due to juror misconduct, including a bribery attempt by a juror named Livingston Caine. The defense also questioned the handling of cell phone evidence used in the original trial.
March 14, 2024: Privy Council Decision
– The Privy Council overturned Kartel’s conviction due to significant procedural errors and juror misconduct. The case was sent back to the Jamaican Court of Appeal to decide whether to order a retrial.
June 10, 2024: Retrial Hearing Begins
– The Court of Appeal began hearing arguments on whether Vybz Kartel and his co-accused should be retried for the murder of Clive Williams. The hearings lasted several days, with the court considering issues such as the delay in the judicial process and potential juror bias.
June 18, 2024: Concerns Over Retrial
– Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop expressed concerns about the practicality of a retrial given the lengthy delays and the backlog of other cases awaiting retrial. The prosecution argued that a fair retrial could be conducted in 2025.
July 31, 2024: Release Ordered
– The Jamaican Court of Appeal ruled against a retrial and ordered the release of Kartel and his co-accused, citing the undue burden of a retrial and the 13 years already served.
August 1, 2024: Celebration and Social Media Reactions
– Kartel celebrated with his fiancée, Sidem Ozturk, and shared his joy on social media. Celebrities like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Busta Rhymes celebrated his freedom.
August 2-5, 2024: Media Coverage and Public Appearances
– Kartel made several public appearances and granted interviews, discussing his legal battles and future plans. He also hinted at new music projects.
