Vybz Kartel Back In The USA
Feb 01, 2025
Rumors had been swirling for days about whether Vybz Kartel had regained his U.S. visa, but confirmation finally arrived today. His return to the U.S. marks yet another chapter in his remarkable resurgence, following his recent release from prison and renewed global recognition.
The timing couldn’t be better for the dancehall icon, as he is currently nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The prestigious event is set to take place on Sunday, February 2, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Kartel’s EP Party With Me, which dropped in May 2024 while he was still behind bars, has earned him his first-ever Grammy nod. This nomination, just months after his July 2024 release when his case was overturned, further cements his legacy in reggae history.
Kartel’s long-awaited freedom came after the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England overturned his conviction, leading to a decisive ruling by Jamaica’s Court of Appeal. Given the complexities of the case—ranging from legal costs to the passage of time and Kartel’s health concerns—the court ultimately ruled against a retrial, allowing him and his co-appellants to walk free.
Since stepping back into the spotlight, Kartel has wasted no time reclaiming his position in the dancehall world. He closed out 2024 with an electrifying performance at the Freedom Street concert on New Year’s Eve, held at the National Arena in St. Andrew. The event marked a historic moment in his post-incarceration journey, underscoring his enduring influence on the genre.
Kartel’s return hasn’t only made waves in Jamaica but has also captured global attention. A December 30 feature in The New York Times titled “After Years in Prison, a Dancehall Star Returns to the Stage” chronicled his extraordinary comeback.
His U.S. visa situation has been another point of intrigue. Kartel’s visa was initially revoked by the U.S. Embassy in 2005 without public explanation. Reports indicate that this is his first visa application since that revocation, making it a major milestone in his career revival.
