Gaza Kim warns Kartel about fake supporters

March 13, 2024
Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel
Gaza Kim
Gaza Kim
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As dancehall lovers from across the globe wait with bated breath for the result of Vybz Kartel's appeal tomorrow, dancehall artiste Gaza Kim has cautioned the Colouring Book hitmaker to be mindful that not all the persons calling for his release are in his corner.

Gaza Kim, a former member of the Vybz Kartel-led Gaza Empire, said many of those rallying for the deejay's freedom are merely jumping on the bandwagon without genuine allegiance.

"Him need to remember that a lot of dem people yah now weh a say 'Free Worl Boss' (Vybz Kartel's nickname), never say Worl Boss from day one. A dem same one did a fight against him, and a dem same one did a fight against Teenage Pregnancy song (on which he collaborated with her). I just want him to keep that in his head, that not because dem a rail for you that means say dem love yuh. I want him to just keep praying, because there is nothing that you can do without God," she said.

Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, and co-convicts Shawn 'Storm' Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre 'Mad Suss' St John were convicted in March 2014 for the murder of their associate, Clive 'Lizard' Williams. The four men were sentenced to life imprisonment. The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in 2020 but reduced the sentences. The men's case was then heard by the United Kingdom-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) last month. The JCPC, which is Jamaica's final court of appeal, is set to issue a ruling tomorrow.

According to Gaza Kim, the entertainment space has shifted since Vybz Kartel was placed into captivity. She credits him for producing a number of timeless hits, including a collaboration with her titled Amen.

"Back in the time when he was free, there was a lot of feel-good music. A lot of his songs are timeless. A lot of the artistes that come up now don't really understand the ting, and they would just sing anything on any riddim. The majority of the songs that Kartel did years ago still sound new today, for example Amen, the song that he wrote for me from 2009, and up to this day that song is like a new hit single. It still has a space in dancehall and it still gives off that vibe," she said.

Although she is no longer associated with Vybz Kartel's camp, Gaza Kim said the entertainer has been instrumental in launching the music career of a number of females, including herself.

"When I was a part of the group, if he was going to put out a song with me, him would drop all a Sheba [song] on it, and if him gonna put out a Sheba song, him a go put out all a Vanessa Bling on it or Hindu. I remember the 'Jewellery Store' riddim and it features all of us. Him would put us on riddims that he is on, and he would do the same for females who were not a part of the group as well," she said.

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