Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, has revealed that he is no longer living in Jamaica, but has instead settled in Florida, United States.
The revelation came during a rare and candid interview on The Breakfast Club with hosts Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy, aired Friday morning during his brief stop in New York.
When asked whether Jamaica remains a safe space for him, Kartel responded firmly:
“Of course not.”
He then added,
“I live in the United States, in Florida.”
The dancehall star was also asked whether it was the Jamaican government or the people that made him feel uncomfortable about remaining on the island. He swiftly responded,
“No.”
Reflecting on his past, Kartel noted,
“I spent 13 years in prison. Like seriously, that is not a joke. I need to go out now and I am working.”
Kartel explained that Florida works perfectly for him because of its geographical convenience:
“It’s a hub—you can go to New York, England, Los Angeles… it’s a nice place in terms of geography where one can just move.”
He also made it clear that he has no intentions of returning to areas in Jamaica he once frequented.
“I’m just staying out of trouble. I don’t want to be in anything negative ever again, which is why I’m staying away from Jamaica.”
Kartel was freed on July 31, 2024, after serving 13 years in prison for the murder of his associate Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. His conviction was overturned by the UK Privy Council due to jury misconduct, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Jamaica.
