Gospel artiste dedicates song to Kartel

Since his release from prison in June 2024, Vybz Kartel has largely shed the controversial profile that earned him infamy.

It not only strengthened his diehard fan base but won the deejay new admirers. Count gospel-dancehall artiste Sone G among the latter. Victorious, his latest song, is dedicated to Vybz Kartel's road to redemption.

"From far off, I see someone who's on a different mission. I don't recall five times the old Kartel said God but, since his release, all I hear is a person being grateful to God for sustaining him," said Sone G. "Whether people agree with his past or not, his release has opened dialogue about accountability, growth, and what redemption really means in the public eye." The Clarendon-born Sone G produced Victorious, which was released on December 18. Like many of his previous songs, it carries a gospel message with a dancehall flavour.

Vybz Kartel was released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility, more popularly known as GP, after serving 13 years for murder. Jamaica's Court of Appeal ruled against retrying him and his three co-accused for the 2011 death of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. He was released four months after the Privy Council in the United Kingdom quashed their 2014 murder conviction and ordered Jamaica's Court of Appeal to decide whether they should be retried.

The deejay has staged sold-out shows in Kingston, New York and Florida since his release from prison. He has also donated to several charities and to persons affected by Hurricane Melissa. Sone G believes Vybz Kartel deserves a second chance.

"Our past is our past. As a minister, what I preach is forgiveness and grace. I don't think God is unable or unwilling to show him love like any other person," he said.