Vybz Kartel has returned to the United States for the first time in 20 years, and he made his arrival known with a post on Instagram.
The entertainer shared a video from a flight, accompanied by the caption “Spread di word… Top Shootas is back!” along with a United States flag emoji.
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Speculation had been circulating all week about whether Kartel had received his U.S. visa, but it wasn’t until today that the news was officially confirmed. His return marks another milestone in his incredible comeback story, following his recent release and international attention.
The reinstatement of his visa comes at an opportune time for Vybz Kartel as he’s nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 2, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Kartel’s EP Party With Me, released in May 2024 while he was still incarcerated, has earned him his first-ever Grammy nomination. This comes just months after his release from prison in July 2024, following the quashing of his case. Party With Me is one of five albums nominated in the category, further solidifying Kartel’s place in reggae history.
Vybz Kartel’s freedom came after a landmark ruling by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England, which overturned his conviction. The Jamaican court was then tasked with deciding whether to retry his murder case or release Kartel and his co-appellants. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal chose not to retry the case, citing the high costs, the passage of time, and Kartel’s health issues.
Since his release, Kartel has continued to make waves in the media. He wrapped up 2024 with a historic performance at the Freedom Street concert on New Year’s Eve, held at the National Arena in St Andrew. This event marked another major moment in his post-prison journey, further solidifying his influence in the dancehall scene.
Vybz Kartel’s return to the spotlight hasn’t just been a local phenomenon; internationally, he’s also been making waves. A December 30 article in The New York Times titled “After years in prison, a dancehall star returns to the stage” highlighted his remarkable comeback.
In 2005, Kartel’s US visa was revoked by the US embassy, and, as is typical, no explanation was provided. Reports suggest that this is his first US visa application since then. Sources suggest that his recent visa application may be his first since that revocation, making it another key development in his post-incarceration saga.
