At the time of the trial, Jamaican police claimed in a testimony that they saw a text on Kartel’s phone stating that Williams’ body had been turned to “mincemeat.” His body was never recovered.

During his time in prison, Kartel and the co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, maintained their innocence. Kartel appealed to courts in Jamaica before taking his case to the Privy Counsel in London which serves as the highest court of appeal in Jamaica and other commonwealth countries.

In March, a UK-based Privy Council overturned the conviction after finding evidence of jury misconduct as attempted bribery occurred during the initial trial. The decision for whether or not to hold a retrial was left to the Court of Appeal in Jamaica.

On the 31^st of July the court ruled that a retrial was not required and Kartel was released from prison on that same Wednesday.

"Mi a tell di yute dem stay out of f$@!%&!" – Words of warning from entertainer Vybz Kartel as he took his first steps into freedom in Kingston on Wednesday afternoon. The DJ, who was in custody for 13 years, was freed of a murder charge earlier today. #GLNRToday pic.twitter.com/qdVchRBCGC

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) July 31, 2024

In an article by Rolling Stones back in 2016, they commented on Kartel’s “mischievous public persona,” stating that “few have captured [the dancehall] audience  – or offended the sensibilities of its detractors – as consistently and thoroughly as Kartel.”

Kartel’s popularity among dancehall music is undeniable and can be seen through his popular singles which include Fever and Romping Shop (ft. Spice). He is most well known, perhaps, for his collaboration with Major Lazer to make the single Pon De Floor which was heavily sampled in Beyonce’s Run the World (Girls). Kartel has also collaborated with other hip hop and R&B artists such as Unknown T, Rhianna, Jay-Z, and Digga D.

Drake has also commented on Kartel in the past, stating that he is “one of my biggest inspirations and one of my favourite artists. You want to talk about a guy that is coming out of somewhere or who is coming out of a place that has their own thing, their own culture and absolutely just taking over to becoming the one person to idolise.”

Many may be wondering what will be next for Vybez Kartel now that he has been released. One need not wonder long, however, as mere hours after his release Kartel dropped First Week Out, a 12-track mixtape pulling together projects he had made during his time in prison.

Given the immediacy of the mixtape’s release, one can only assume that more projects can be expected from Kartel.

With an illustrious lineup of artists representing the vibrant spectrum of Caribbean and African musical genres, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to attendees. Headlining the event are acclaimed performers such as Capleton, Busy Signal, Shy FX, and Iration Steppas. Joining them are talents like Cameroonian-American singer Libianca and the innovative dub sound system crew Channel One, enriching the festival’s offerings with depth and diversity.

In addition to these headliners, the festival further boasts a diverse array of performers, including the likes of Anthony B, Black Sherif, Ding Dong, Lojay, Queen Omega, WSTRN, Rage MC, Dubwise Jamaica, Ayanna Heaven, Kalia Goddess, and many more. This year’s festival showcases a full lineup of exceptional talent from various corners of the world, with esteemed acts like Jamaica’s Beenie Man, Shenseea, and Busy Signal also gracing the stage. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic display of musical talent, honouring the rich and vibrant heritage of Caribbean and African music.

City Splash Festival stands as a testament to the profound impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond, showcasing the abundant legacy of genres like Roots, Dub, and Dancehall while embracing the evolution of Jungle and Garage music.

Featuring seven unique stages offering “diverse sounds and vibes,” attendees can immerse themselves in a medley of musical experiences. Additionally, with over 45 Black-owned food traders tantalising taste buds (delivered in partnership with Black Eats LDN), authentic rum stalls, and engaging panel talks, the festival promises an immersive cultural experience.

Located in the heart of Brixton, Brockwell Park serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage, underscoring the area’s rich history and cultural significance. More than just a music event, City Splash Festival is a vital cultural melting pot that celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts Black music, food, dance, and style.

As anticipation builds for this year’s festivities, City Splash Festival promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the diversity and richness of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. Tickets are available for purchase for the bank holiday celebration here.

The project includes some features from big UK artists, including M1llionz and BackRoad Gee, but the project is mostly featureless, with Cashh’s story-telling at the centre. The 23-track album is extensive, going from drill on ‘Pounds and Dollars’, to familiar road rap on ‘Trench Baby’, to a gleeful dancehall-infused interpolation of Mark Morrison’s classic ‘Return of the Mac’ on ‘Return of the Man’.Additionally littered with skits and vocal segments throughout, the opening track ‘Starving’ opens with an amusing yet frustrating skit with a British airport security officer, where Cashh has to constantly repeat himself as he is speaking in near-unintelligible patois to a White British man. His linguistic code-switching in this opener is indicative of the rest of the album, effortlessly switching between his Jamaican roots and his British culture.

Known as Cashtastic in his early career, he had just released an acclaimed mixtape before being deported in 2004. Born in Jamaica, he had lived in Peckham, South London since the age of 6, and had lived in the UK for four years before he was detained by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) at age 20. The reasons why he was detained were unclear, though the Home Office, unable to comment on specific cases, had said citizens who had lost the right to remain must leave the country, as per The BBC.

The case was well-documented in 2014, even before the Windrush Scandal, as it robbed the up-and-coming rapper of a successful career. But now, in 2021, where public attention toward race, immigration, and empire has rarely been higher, Cashh is back to tell the story of his hardships.

On the project, Cashh said “I poured 7 years worth of blood, sweat and tears into this project. At the pinnacle of my commercial success in March of 2014, I was removed from the UK back to my birth country of Jamaica and had to start from scratch. This is what inspired the title, as this is a reality many have faced in different ways under so many unjust circumstances, so to express my experiences and emotions through my art means everything to me,” as per GRM Daily.

The album is out now and can be listened to below: