Vybz Kartel: Dancehall Is In Jail......The incarcerated deejay says as long as he remains behind bars, so too does the success of dancehall music

The incarcerated deejay says as long as he remains behind bars, so too does the success of dancehall music. TO SAY it was a surprise to get an interview with Vybz Kartel would be an understatement.

STAYING STRONG: Vybz Kartel

Even upon hearing that the dancehall superstar would be doing press to support his new album, there was reason to be sceptical. After all, he is behind bars – where he’s been for the past two years – awaiting trial for murder. In such circumstances, it would be fair to assume that media duties wouldn’t be at the top of his priorities.

But on the contrary, the Jamaican deejay born Adidja Palmer, was keen to speak out about what he describes as the “injustice” of the Jamaican legal system, and the “repetition” of life behind bars. In addition, the star, famed for hits including Clarks, Ramping Shop and Pon Di Floor, lambasted the current state of the genre in which he found fame.

Granting Life & Style with an exclusive interview, Kartel says that dancehall has suffered a huge decline since he’s been behind bars – and insists that there is no artist in the market at present that can take his throne.

“Dancehall is in jail,” Kartel firmly insists. “And although the fact remains that if I die tomorrow, dancehall will continue, it’s also a fact that the next artist to bring the energy, panache and ‘vybz’ to dancehall, isn’t here yet.” read more...