Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is making moves to secure a US visa ahead of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where his EP Party With Me has been nominated for Best Reggae Album. The event, scheduled for February 5 in Los Angeles, marks Kartel’s first-ever Grammy nod and a major milestone in his career.
Speaking with Billboard Magazine, Kartel expressed optimism about attending the prestigious ceremony. “We’ve submitted the documents. It would be a good look for all of us who are nominated to be at the Grammys,” he said. Other contenders in the category include Collie Buddz’s Take It Easy, Shenseea’s Never Gets Late Here, The Wailers’ Evolution, and the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack.
Kartel’s last visit to the US was in the early 2000s, with standout performances in Miami and New York. However, visa issues and legal troubles later barred his return. In 2011, he confirmed losing his US visa “five or six years ago.” That same year, he was arrested for murder and sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was overturned in March 2024 by the UK Privy Council, which referred the case to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal. By July, he and his co-accused were freed due to insufficient evidence.
Reflecting on his Grammy nomination, Kartel acknowledged the challenges he endured. “If I wasn’t incarcerated, I would have been nominated already,” he said. “I know if I wasn’t arrested, based on my career’s trajectory, I would have definitely won. But I’m very, very grateful.”
The Party With Me EP, produced by Din Din, originated from a creative outlet during Kartel’s incarceration. “I was under a vibe and started writing to occupy my mind. Those songs became this EP. Bam, Grammy,” he recounted.
Kartel also revealed plans for a busy international schedule, including headlining the Wireless Festival in England and performing in Germany. The UK has become his largest streaming market, a shift he partly attributes to his British fiancée. “My No. 1 market used to be America, but now it’s the UK. I think the love is also because they see me as one of their own,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kartel is eager to reconnect with fans in the Caribbean and New York, which he fondly calls “Jamaica outside of Jamaica.”
Addressing rumors of collaborations, Kartel confirmed an upcoming project with rapper Cardi B, who has publicly supported him since his release. “I love Cardi! We have a song coming out next year. We’re actually in the process of writing it,” he shared. “Even if I have to walk, I’m performing that song in New York!”
As Kartel sets his sights on the Grammy stage and global performances, his triumphant return promises to reignite his dominance in the music world.
DANCEHALLMAG.COM
