Adidja Palmer to Vybz Kartel: The Making of a Dancehall King

Date: 2025-08-22 | Location: | Category: Entertainment

Adidja Azim Palmer better known as Vybz Kartel—was born on January 7, 1976, in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in the Waterford area of St. Catherine Parish, within a working class family. His father worked as an electrician at a flour mill and instilled a strong work ethic in him, emphasizing education. Young Kartel earned admission to the well-regarded Calabar High School, but he was expelled due to truancy drawn instead to the magnetic pull of Kingston’s thriving music scene.

In the early 1990s, Kartel began his musical journey. His debut recording, “Love Fat Woman”, came out in 1993 under the alias Adi Banton—a nod to reggae icon Buju Banton. He soon adopted the name Vybz Kartel and started to make waves in Jamaica's dancehall community, eventually becoming a protégé of Bounty Killer.

Kartel’s breakthrough came around 2003, when a string of hit singles propelled him to prominence. Notably, he ignited controversy during a clash with Ninjaman at the Sting festival but he publicly apologized soon after, showing maturity beyond his years.

Building His Own Empire

Kartel didn’t just ride the wave he built his own. He founded his label, Adidjahiem/Notnice Records, and launched the Portmore Empire, signing talents like Popcaan, Tommy Lee, and Jah Vinci.

In addition to his musical ventures, he explored entrepreneurship:securing endorsements for Vybz Rum, launching Daggerin Condoms, and later creating a nightclub brand and event Street Vybz Thursdays at Asylum.

International collaborations further expanded his reach. Songs like “Romping Shop” (2009) and “Clarks” (2010) achieved chart recognition—“Clarks,” in particular, dominated reggae airplay in North America and made waves on shows like So You Think You Can Dance Canada and CNN. He also branched into fashion and personal care with his own Addi’s shoe line and a cake-soap skin product.

Triumph and Setback

By 2014, Kartel’s success was undeniable—but life took an unexpected turn when he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murder. Despite incarceration, his output didn’t slow. In 2016, he released the album King of the Dancehall, which hit #2 on Billboard’s US Reggae chart, and included the smash single “Fever”, later certified Gold.

Against all odds, in March 2024, the UK Privy Council overturned his conviction, citing juror misconduct, and in July 2024 he was released when Jamaica’s Court of Appeal declined a retrial, in part due to cost and the passage of time.

Since his release, he has reflected deeply on his youth and choices, urging young Jamaicans to prioritize education over gangsterism. Health struggles including Graves’ disease have also shaped his outlook; he now emphasizes family, fitness, positivity, and mentorship.

His monumental comeback includes a New Year’s Eve concert at Kingston’s National Stadium, expected to draw up to 35,000 fans his first live show post-release, timed with a 2025 Grammy nomination for the EP Party With Me.

From Struggle to Stardom

In summary, Vybz Kartel's journey epitomizes the classic rags-to-riches arc From Waterford’s gritty streets to household name in Jamaican dancehall.

From expelled schoolboy to founding his own record label and empire.From troubled convict who recorded hit music behind bars to legal vindication and a triumphant return to the stage.

And now, a Grammy-nominated artist, mentor, and symbol of resilience.His story underscores the transformative power of music for personal survival, cultural dominance, and eventual redemption.