Vybz Kartel adds Grammy nomination to list of ‘blessings’

The last few years have been tumultuous for dancehall star Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer who, for the better part of a decade, was at the centre of a massive legal battle which many thought would end in disappointment.

However, fast-forward to the present and things couldn’t be better for the Clarks deejay who has been raking in blessing after blessing, with his recently announced Grammy nomination being the latest on the list.

“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,” Palmer, who is set to tie the knot with fiancée Sidem Öztürk, told The Sunday Gleaner.

This is the Dancehall Hero entertainer’s first nomination for the prestigious musical award and came from the release of his album titled Party With Me earlier this year. Kartel says he is counting it as an extra special moment, as the album’s title track was inspired by his newly minted fiancée.

“[The album] came about simply because I was feeling the party vibe. That’s why the lead track is party with me. Typical ‘Kartelogy’ you know, me and the ladies raving together. What makes the album special, though, is that my muse for the lead track was my fiancée. So it’s a victory for team ‘Sididja’,” the entertainer explained.

The news of Kartel’s Grammy nomination comes on the heels of the excitement over his first official stage show in more than 13 years, Freedom Street. According to the event’s organisers, fans are to expect something “truly legendary”.

“On December 31, we’re making history … . It’s not just about the comeback; it’s about the passion, energy, and unstoppable spirit Kartel brings. This will be a New Year’s celebration like no other, showing Jamaica and the world that, with Kartel and Downsound Entertainment, everything is possible,” said Downsound Boss Josef Bogdanovich at the official launch event held at Janga’s Soundbar on Wednesday.

The excitement in the atmosphere has been palpable since the event was first announced, as fans from across the globe are eager to see the Worl’ Boss return to the stage.

“It’s gonna be pure epic-ness,” Kartel assured his fans. Expect the best and baddest in the game to represent. And, I don’t wanna jump the gun, but we got some world-renowned rappers ready to pass through,” he continued.

Freedom Street is a return to the stage for Kartel, celebrating the entertainer’s release from prison after spending 13 years behind bars for a crime for which he was acquitted by the Court of Appeal in July.

Vybz Kartel and Bogdanovich announced an exclusive 50 per cent bleachers ticket discount for Freedom Street on Black Friday weekend, November 29, 30 and December 1.

This discount is part of Kartel’s plan to give back to his loyal Gaza Nation fanbase. Kartel himself will be covering the remaining 50 per cent, turning his support into a financial thank-you gesture for fans who’ve been with him through thick and thin.

“Mi fans a mi heart. Gaza Nation stand by me, so mi a stand by dem,” Kartel shared in a statement, emphasising just how much his fans mean to him. “This 50 per cent off is my way fi seh respect to every Gaza supporter who a mek dis event possible. Mi ready fi celebrate wid every single one a unnu, come New Year’s Eve!”

This return to the global stage is further underscored by Palmer’s Grammy nomination – which he hopes will continue to find footing at the award show with its own category.

“It wouldn’t be a bad thing. A lot of dancehall artistes have won reggae Grammy awards. So, maybe in a few years. Why not?” Palmer said.

Kartel is nominated in the category for Best Reggae Album alongside Collie Buddz for Take it Easy; Shenseea, Never Gets Late Here; The Wailers, Evolution and Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film.

This is the first solo nomination for Shenseea. She was Grammy-nominated at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Album of the Year for her work on Kanye West’s Donda.

This is Collie Buddz’s second nomination. He was nominated for Best Reggae Album last year, for Cali Roots Riddim 2023.

The Wailers received a Best Reggae Album nomination at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, for the album One World.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange congratulated the nominees. “They all produced good work and are being recognised with Grammy nominations,” said Grange. The 2025 Grammy Awards will air on February 2 live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

kenrick.morgan@gleanerjm.com