Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has confirmed that he is now living in Florida, marking a new chapter in his life after spending 13 years in prison.
The artist, born Adidja Palmer, made the revelation during a Friday morning appearance on The Breakfast Club with hosts Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy in New York.
When asked if Jamaica still felt like a safe space for him, Kartel laughed and responded, “Of course not,” adding, “I live here [in the United States], I live in Florida.”
When asked if it was the government or the people who made him relocate, Vybz Kartel said that after spending 13 years in prison, he felt the need to go out and move around. “But I rep my country all the way,” he said.
He explained that Florida’s central location made it an ideal spot for both his professional and personal life. “Florida is good because it’s a hub; you can go to New York, you can go across the Atlantic, go to England, go west, you’re in LA,” Kartel said. “It’s a nice place to be geographically, where we can just move.”
Kartel’s relocation follows his 2024 release from prison after his murder conviction was overturned by the United Kingdom Privy Council, which cited jury misconduct. His U.S. visa was reinstated in January, paving the way for his return to the global stage.
Since moving to Miami, Kartel has been seen with DJ Khaled, a prominent figure who also represents Jamaican culture.
For his Florida fans, Vybz Kartel also recently announced that he will perform in Miami on May 17, 2025, marking his first Florida appearance in over two decades. The show, promoted by Live Nation, will take place at the Amerant Bank Arena and is expected to be a major event.
While the Miami flyer teases performances from Kartel’s musical collaborators, no supporting acts have been confirmed yet, and ticket sales have not officially opened. An announcement is expected soon.
Kartel’s return to the U.S. stage will also include performances at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in April 2025, followed by a European tour with stops at Germany’s SummerJam and London’s Wireless Festival in July.
