In a striking comeback, dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has swiftly resumed his musical career following his release from prison. Less than 24 hours after stepping out of the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility, Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, took to the platform X to announce his latest project, *First Week Out*.
The new album, distributed by Hapilos, features 12 tracks, with only one collaborator: Squash. The tracklist showcases a range of themes and emotions, all delivered in Kartel’s signature style. Here’s the lineup:
1. **Feel Great (Intro)** – Vybz Kartel, featuring Squash
2. **The Menace** – Vybz Kartel
3. **Terror By Night** – Vybz Kartel
4. **Unstoppable** – Vybz Kartel
5. **Skillful** – Vybz Kartel, featuring Squash
6. **Adiadking** – Vybz Kartel
7. **Giant** – Vybz Kartel, featuring Squash
8. **Victorious** – Vybz Kartel
9. **Beat DemBad** – Vybz Kartel, featuring Squash
10. **Win** – Vybz Kartel
11. **Success Story** – Vybz Kartel
12. **Number One** – Vybz Kartel
Kartel’s release on Wednesday came after a significant legal battle. He and his co-accused — Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John — had been serving time for the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. Their conviction was initially upheld by the Jamaican Court of Appeal in 2020, but the case was taken to the Privy Council in the UK. On March 14, the Privy Council overturned their convictions due to juror misconduct, leading to their eventual release after a decade behind bars.
Kartel’s return has sparked widespread celebration among his fans, particularly in the Corporate Area, where jubilant crowds marked the end of his imprisonment. His new project *First Week Out* reflects his resilience and creativity, demonstrating his readiness to make an impact in the dancehall scene once more.
As Vybz Kartel steps back into the limelight, his fans and the wider music community are eagerly anticipating his next moves. With *First Week Out* already generating buzz, it’s clear that the dancehall superstar is poised to reclaim his place at the forefront of the genre.
In other news – Police dismiss rumors of public gathering ban ahead of SADC summit
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has officially refuted social media claims suggesting that the Zimbabwean government has imposed a ban on public gatherings in light of the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit. In a recent statement, the ZRP labeled these rumors as unfounded and urged the public to ignore the misinformation.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses social media postings alleging that the Government of Zimbabwe has banned or prohibited public gatherings due to the forthcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit. This is false. The public should dismiss this false information with the contempt it deserves,” the ZRP stated. Read More
