The most influential figure in Jamaican music since Bob Marley has embraced a profound transformation. Setting past rivalries aside, he now prioritizes family, business, and legacy, dedicating himself daily to becoming the best version of himself. Here’s an inside look
Vybz Kartel, Jamaica's most influential living artist (Photo: Rojhay Anderson)
A few months ago, it might have seemed like a work of fiction, but today, but today, Dancehall megastar Vybz Kartel is marking a profound chapter in his life. Celebrating his first birthday outside prison and fresh off Jamaica’s biggest concert in over 50 years, which drew nearly 40,000 fans, the artist is embracing life with a renewed maturity and a transformed perspective.
Kartel, widely regarded as Jamaica's most influential living artist, spent over a decade behind bars. Convicted in 2011 and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams, he remained incarcerated until his acquittal on July 31, 2024. From age 35 to 49—key years in a man’s life—he endured a period of deep reflection, devoured books, and confronted his personal challenges. Throughout, he proved to be an indomitable force in the local music industry, maintaining his stature as an iconic figure despite his confinement.
For most of the new generation of trap dancehall artists born after the 2000s, Vybz Kartel and his longtime nemesis Mavado remain monumental influences. These two giants often became idols, with artists aligning themselves with one or the other, shaping the style of the young guns, defining a new era, and transforming the dancehall landscape.
“He’s a completely different person now—he is really trying to be a better person,” say those close to the Worl’ Boss. “He’s put his ego aside and is working toward maintaining harmony with everyone,” the source adds.
Focused on being a better person (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
As Kartel continues his journey of transformation, which he has openly discussed in recent interviews, 2025 finds him at the height of productivity. With a packed Caribbean schedule and high-profile international bookings, including a headline performance at Summerjam in Germany—one of Europe’s biggest festivals—he maintains his dominance on the global stage. Amid the relentless demand, his career is being meticulously managed to ensure he remains at the pinnacle of his craft.
As highlighted in Kaboom Magazine in recent months, the 2025 version of Vybz Kartel is a changed man—goal-oriented, mature, and focused on business, health, and family above all else. Despite persistent rumors, whether about a shaky relationship with the mother of his children, Tanisha "Shorty" Johnson, or the personal life of his fiancée, Sidem Ozturk, whom he is set to marry soon, Kartel chooses to tune out the background noise. His relationships remain harmonious, as evidenced during the historic celebrations on Freedom Street.
“It’s not just about him buying material things for his children—everyone sees that,” shared a source close to Vybz Kartel. “What he truly wants is to spend quality time with them. However, there’s endless pressure on him.” The source added, “He keeps to himself, stays active with sports, and spends a lot to have a private security team protecting him.”
He’s no longer the impulsive young man of 2011 but a mature figure who understands the power of his influence. Kartel has largely distanced himself from the beefs and bickering that once defined parts of his career. It’s no surprise that he recently expressed support for his longtime rival Mavado, even hinting at plans for a potential Gaza-Gully world tour. He also extended compliments to Bounty Killer, whom he has referred to as his “dad,” sharing a moment of mutual respect on stage at the National Stadium in Kingston during the New Year’s Eve celebration. Declaring that he’s leaving the battles to the younger generation, Kartel is embracing a new chapter of leadership and legacy.
"He’s a completely different person now—he is really trying to be a better person.”
As he enters his 50th year, Adidja Azim Palmer, known as Vybz Kartel, stands as the most influential figure in Jamaican music since Bob Marley. Kartel is planning international collaborations, managing ventures like his Str8 Vybz Rum and Fire Vybz Hot Grabba, and even penning a book about his journey. Above all, he remains focused on self-improvement, striving daily to be "the best version of himself."
Comments