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Long hailed as dancehall's most controversial figure, Vybz Kartel has always commanded the spotlight with his edgy lyrics and unfiltered persona. But since his release from prison in July, Kartel has begun to show a surprising transformation that's captivating fans and critics alike. Once known as the ultimat' "gyalis', with hits like ' Ramping Shop', the Worl' Boss is now embracing a new image, one marked by maturity and introspection.
Kartel's recent business relaunch for his STR8 VYBZ Rum provided a window into this growth.
"One time mi was a 'gyalis,' but now mi is a 'one-burner', so it represents maturity," said the entertainer, who recently proposed to his fiancee, Sidem.
Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah, lecturer at The University of the West Indies and cultural studies expert, said that this evolution in Kartel's public image reflects a natural progression.
"What we know about life is that the life cycle is one with integrity," she said. "Women grow up, men grow up. It is not unique to dancehall; it is just a human thing," Niaah said.
She continued: "It would seem the representation of being a gangster or a gyalis or any other of those masculinity representations are now shifting because, for one, he is a grandfather, so he is looking at his own children and grandchildren in ways that would him revise statements he made earlier about not being a role model."
Meanwhile, Kartel has credited the influence of Sidem for the creation of Party With Me. The eight-track masterpiece, which is on the Grammy shortlist for Best Reggae Album, was released on May 31, exactly two months before the artiste's release from prison on July 31.
Kartel told THE STAR that his "muse for the lead track was my fiancee" and this makes it special. In the chorus Kartel dejays:
"Mi love it when yuh party with me
When yuh whine and look ina mi eyes
Mi fall in love a thousand times
Mi love it when yuh party with me, yea."
Kartel, the habitual hitmaker, met Sidem while he was incarcerated. The artiste, who was ordered freed by the Court of Appeal after 13 years behind bars, recently asked Sidem for her hand in marriage and she agreed to marry him.
Kartel sees the Grammy nomination as another personal triumph, having endured a torrid 13 years behind bars.
"It's an amazing feeling; very humbling, you know. I feel blessed with everything that's going on in my life recently, so this is like just another one of my blessings. God is the greatest," The Comet deejay said.
The other contenders for the Best Reggae Album are Shenseea ( Never Gets Late Here), The Wailer ( Evolutions), Collie Buddz ( Take It Easy), and Bob Marley: One Love.
If Kartel were to take home the Grammy, it would be a powerful affirmation from the industry, a sign that his artistry is not only respected, but celebrated, worldwide.
"It's means a lot to me personally; but for the genre it's huge, because this is from a hardcore dancehall artiste, so it gives the youths a lot of motivation I think.
"The Grammy is basically an award given by your peers, so it would mean a lot to know the industry wants to officially recognise your artistry and talent," he reflected.
But Kartel is also eyeing the future of dancehall itself. With the increasing global popularity of the genre, he believes it's only a matter of time before dancehall has its own Grammy category.
"A lot of dancehall artistes have won reggae Grammy awards, so maybe in a few years, why not?"
English (US) ·