How Vybz Kartel was able to pull through his music career while in prison

How Vybz Kartel was able to pull through his music career while in prison

Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican dancehall artist, managed to maintain his musical career during his 13 years behind bars.

There was no recording studio within the correctional facility, which made it difficult for him to create new music.

However, he managed to overcome this obstacle by relying on his existing catalog and collaborating with other artists.

Kartel’s legal battle was ongoing throughout his incarceration.

Throughout the legal process, Kartel and his co-accused maintained their innocence. Their case garnered significant attention due to its length and complexity.

Despite being incarcerated, Kartel continued to be a prolific songwriter. He had a substantial song catalog and recorded at a breakneck pace.

Vybz Kartel collaborated with international artists like Rihanna and Jay-Z.

His influence extended beyond Jamaica, and he was credited as one of Drake’s inspirations.

Notably, his 2009 collaboration with Major Lazer on “Pon De Floor” was sampled in Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)”.

 His 2016 single “Fever” gained popularity, showcasing his ability to connect with fans even from prison.

In addition, other artists came through for him and supported him in various ways:

Some artists collaborated with him on songs, allowing him to continue releasing music.

These collaborations helped keep his name relevant in the industry.

Fellow musicians and fans advocated for his release by organizing campaigns, signing petitions, and raising awareness about his case.

Their support contributed to the public discourse surrounding his legal situation.

Artists also used social media platforms to express solidarity with him. They shared his music, posted messages of encouragement, and rallied their followers to support him.

Some artists performed Vybz Kartel’s songs during their concerts or events, showing their appreciation for his work and maintaining his presence in the music scene.

However, in March of this year, the United Kingdom-based Privy Council overturned his conviction due to evidence of juror misconduct in his initial trial. 

The court of appeals in Jamaica decided not to retry the murder case, making Vybze Kartel a free man.

His trial was one of the longest in Jamaican history, and the guilty verdict impacted his image but the recent overturning of his conviction by the Privy Council has given him a fresh start.