“Let’s Wait and See”… PM Says About Vybz Kartel for One Nation Concert

Prime Minister Gaston Browne recently considered inviting Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel to perform at the upcoming One Nation concert.

However, he also voiced concerns about the potential negative influence of Vybz Kartel’s lyrical content on the youth.

Vybz Kartel had been incarcerated for 13 years, from 2011 to 2024, after being initially sentenced to 35 years in prison, a term that was later reduced to 32.5 years.

Following the dismissal of a retrial, Vybz Kartel was ultimately released in July 2024.

Browne said instead, the government will lobby Richie Spice to perform

“I will talk to the organizers. At one point, we were thinking of Kartel, but he may come and sing some inappropriate song. We are not sure” he said

However, he did say that Kartel has mellowed down a bit, and some of his songs are not usually that of the “bad man.”

“Let’s watch and see what happens with the other countries. Let us not judge the man,” PM Browne said

The annual One Nation Concert is an event held under the auspices of PM Browne. The free concert features international artists and aims to support local talent growth.”