Vybz Kartel Prioritizes Health Following Prison Release

Vybz Kartel is savoring his newfound freedom by putting his health first.

In a recent interview with Fox 5, the 48-year-old artist, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, discussed his plans for the future. “Right now, I’m focusing on my health, but just feeling free is incredible,” he said.

Kartel, who is determined to stay active, shared that he’s already invested in a bike and a treadmill. “I’ve hit the ground running,” the “Fever” artist said with a smile.

The dancehall icon also revealed that he had been dealing with Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder that he battled while in prison. This condition causes hyperthyroidism, leading to an overactive thyroid and various health challenges, a concern his lawyer, Isat Buchanan, brought up in June.

Jamaican music legend Vybz Kartel was released from prison on July 31 after spending more than a decade behind bars for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found. Arrested in 2011 and sentenced to life, the “Summer Time” artist has always maintained his innocence and fought to overturn his conviction.

In a pivotal ruling, the Privy Council determined that the inclusion of a compromised juror was “fatal to the safety of the convictions” and violated the defendants’ right to a fair trial, casting serious doubt on the fairness of the original trial.