Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel spent Sunday serving up his signature charm, swagger, and a healthy dose of controversy. Released from prison on July 31, Kartel has been on an unstoppable roll, leaving fans and critics alike struggling to keep up with Dancehall’s biggest superstar.
First Stop: PNP’s Annual Conference
Sunday kicked off with a splash of politics as Vybz Kartel made a grand entrance at the People’s National Party’s 86th annual conference. Dressed in orange kerchiefs, he graced the stage without a word and later said he was there to represent for the cause of the people. However, his appearance was seen as an endorsement for leader of the opposition Mark Golding. This followed his recent visit with Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Grenadines Ralph Gonzales.
Naturally, this appearance stirred up some hot air among the naysayers. “What’s a deejay doing at a political rally?” they grumbled online, as if we haven’t seen this happen since ancient times.
Critics, Let’s Have a History Lesson
For those clutching their pearls tightly, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Back in the ancient days (okay, not that ancient, but you get it), political power was almost always mixed with a touch of artistry. In ancient Rome, gladiators were celebrities who would make public appearances to sway the masses in favor of politicians. Fast forward to Jamaica’s rich history, and you’ll find that musicians have always had a say in the political scene. Remember Bob Marley’s “One Love Peace Concert” in 1978 which was just depicted in the Bob Marley: One Love biopic? Yeah, that wasn’t exactly about the reggae groove alone; it was a power move! So, Vybz Kartel turning up at the PNP conference is just another chapter in the book of artists wielding influence—like a modern-day minstrel of might.
Round Two: Kartel on Digicel’s Rising Stars
After kicking up a political storm, Kartel made his way to the TVJ studios for 8:30 pm, where he was a guest on Digicel’s Rising Stars. Dishing out encouragement to the contestants, Kartel turned motivational guru for the night. His words of wisdom: “Me never know a so you young but now I get it, because your voice come in like them big beast deh pon the toll.” The studio audience could not contain themselves in his presence as the come to grips they are in the presence of the Gaza boss.
Really was expecting by now to see people cursing Digicel Rising Stars and TVJ about having a convicted murderer on a family oriented show. No comments just so after the earlier furore. 🙅♀️
— Tanya Hunter 🇯🇲 (@huntertotheworl) September 16, 2024
With that, he left contestants fired up, their dreams fueled by the deejay’s raw energy. “Kartel was here, so anything possible!” gushed one starstruck singer.
Hennessy for Everybody!
Just when you thought Kartel would call it a night, he threw another curveball. The last stop was Dolly Sundays at Club Mecca, where he did what any self-respecting dancehall don would—buy out the bar. Hennessy flowed like the River Nile (see what we did there, ancient history buffs?). Kartel made it rain, not with dollar bills, but with cases of the finest cognac, turning an already hype club night into a frenzy of Hennessy-fueled revelry. He also for the first time did a full dance routine to Teejay’s Drift catching every move to the delight of the crowd.
The holier-than-thou critics have their comments locked and loaded, pointing fingers at Kartel for daring to mingle with politicians. To them, we say: Relax! Artists have been influencing, moving, and grooving alongside the people and politics since the dawn of civilization. Vybz Kartel didn’t invent this; he’s just rocking it in true “Worl’ Boss” style.
