Vybz Kartel, the renowned Jamaican dancehall artist, has declared his unwavering commitment to his music career, insisting he will never retire. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE following his recent performance at Reggaeland UK, Kartel shared insights on his evolving artistry and the experiences that have shaped his latest album, “God & Time.”
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The 50-year-old musician, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, took to the stage in Milton Keynes at the festival, marking his first public performance in England since being released from prison on July 31, 2024. His convictions were overturned by the UK Privy Council and Jamaican courts, paving the way for his return to the music scene. Notably, Kartel’s album draws inspiration from his personal reflections, spiritual journey, and the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture.
In discussing the themes of “God & Time,” Kartel described the process of maturation and self-discovery. He articulated that understanding oneself includes recognising both strengths and weaknesses. He approached his music with a focus on purpose and aspiration: “God made us in His own image, so we have to aspire to be in the image of God. So it’s God & Time. It’s just basically change,” he explained.
Anticipation builds around the release of music videos from the album, which will feature collaborations with Afrobeats star Wizkid, as well as dancehall luminaries like Spice and Skillibeng. Reflecting on his performance repertoire, he highlighted “Romping Shop,” his iconic 2009 collaboration with Spice, as a standout track that continues to resonate with audiences.
Kartel also acknowledged a significant shift in the essence of his music following his time in prison. He articulated a reluctance to perform songs laden with “gangster lyrics,” as they no longer align with his personal beliefs. “I do my gun lyrics, [but] I don’t like [it],” he remarked, suggesting a shift in artistic expression that speaks to a more global and conscious audience. “Music is art and art is a reflection of life,” he asserted, emphasising the importance of evolving alongside societal changes.
During the conversation, he recounted his transformative journey while incarcerated, revealing how his outlook changed. Kartel spoke candidly about the pain of watching his family relationships fray and the impact of aging. “There comes a time when you have to be like, oh, I can’t be fighting in this direction. I need to change course,” he reflected. This epiphany led him to embrace prayer as essential for guidance and understanding in his life.
Kartel’s dedication to his craft remains undiminished, even in light of his battle with Graves’ disease, which affects the thyroid. “Funny enough, you know, it doesn’t [impact my stamina] because I have hyper, not hypo,” he clarified, assuring fans of his vigorous performance capabilities. His upcoming shows are sure to feature surprises for attendees, including his imminent performance at the O2 Arena alongside Mavado in early September.
In an exciting personal revelation, Kartel announced that he and his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, are expecting their first child together. The couple chose to publicly share this news during Reggaeland UK, coinciding with speculation circulating in the media. Kartel expressed his desire to navigate this journey transparently, planning to include fans in milestone moments, such as their upcoming gender reveal.
Balancing fatherhood and career ambitions, he advised men about parenting, stressing the importance of stability within family structures and consistent involvement in children’s lives. On a broader scale, Kartel highlighted how the women in his life, including his fiancée and daughters, have continued to influence his music. “All the women in my life that I’m close to emotionally influence my music,” he stated, mentioning that various tracks from “God & Time” resonate with his experiences and relationships.
As he looks to the future, Kartel is determined to keep his musical legacy alive. He affirms, “I will never retire from music. I love it too much.” His passion transcends financial gains, as he prioritises love for his craft. Addressing his new role as a father, he noted that impending responsibilities inspire him to think more strategically about his future, although he maintains a deep-rooted connection to his Jamaican heritage as a central source of his creativity.
Kartel’s journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects a broader narrative of redemption and growth—one he intends to share through his music and forthcoming projects. As he prepares for more performances and collaborations, his enduring commitment to dancehall culture remains clear, promising fans an abundance of new music in the years to come.