Vybz Kartel Opens Up About Life After Prison, Music Plans, and Thoughts on Afrobeats

 Vybz Kartel recently shared his thoughts on life after prison, opening up about his transition to freedom, future music plans, and opinions on the rise of Afrobeats. In an interview with TMZ following his release, the Dancehall legend spoke candidly about his personal experiences and reflections after spending nearly 13 years behind bars.

Kartel described the surreal feeling of being a free man once again, admitting that he hasn’t fully processed it yet. "Sometimes I’m afraid to post, and I think I’m still in prison," he confessed, showing how his time incarcerated still lingers in his mind. Certain sounds, such as keys rattling, continue to remind him of the prison guards and the reality he once faced.

Since his release, Kartel has been reconnecting with his fans through social media, where he has seen a surge in followers, particularly on Instagram and TikTok. He expressed surprise at the overwhelming support from younger audiences, noting that teenagers have been instrumental in keeping him relevant during his time away. Despite his growing online presence, Kartel has yet to return to the studio to record new music.

Instead, he has been focusing on his health, spending time in the gym to get fit after gaining weight during his time in prison. The deejay admitted that food became a form of escape during his sentence, leading to weight gain, particularly around his stomach. Now, his attention is on shedding the extra pounds before fully immersing himself back into his music career.

During the interview, Kartel was also asked about the rise of Afrobeats, which has gained global popularity in recent years. Although Dancehall remains close to his heart, Kartel acknowledged that new genres emerge from time to time. He responded to recent comments by fellow Jamaican artist Buju Banton, agreeing that there was some truth to Buju’s critique of Afrobeats’ dominance.

Vybz Kartel's Interview With TMZ

 However, Kartel emphasized that Afrobeats is "feel-good" and "escapist" music, designed to make people dance and enjoy life. He agreed with Nigerian artist Tems’ perspective that the genre is more about entertainment than revolution.

As for new music, Kartel reassured fans that he plans to return to the studio soon. While he hasn't started recording just yet, he hopes to begin working on new material before his next concert. For now, he's focused on enjoying his freedom and getting back to full health. Fans can expect that whenever he does return to the studio, it will undoubtedly be worth the wait.