By News Americas Entertainment Desk

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. June 18, 2025: Just weeks after being condemned for what many called blasphemous lyrics, Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has stunned fans and critics alike with the release of a gospel track titled Glory of Jesus — a dramatic turn from the explicit content that drew widespread backlash last month.

The former convict and newly freed artist—who once rapped about sex, violence, and even compared women’s bodies to Jesus—now opens his new gospel single with a solemn prayer: “Dear Lord, I want you to use me as a vessel… to spread your word and your gospel to the ends of the world.”

‘Glory of Jesus,’ a cover of a classic by the legendary Grace Thrillers, marks a bold new chapter for Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, whose life has played out like a modern-day redemption saga. After spending 13 years behind bars for a murder conviction that was eventually overturned by the UK Privy Council in 2024, Kartel has returned to the spotlight — but not without controversy.

Just last month, Kartel was condemned by Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for the sexually explicit content in his track ‘Good Like Jesus.’ The ERC called the song “blasphemous and deeply offensive,” urging Guyanese authorities to ban his music and demanding a public apology. The backlash also came during a storm of criticism after Kartel withdrew from a festival in Trinidad and Tobago at the last minute, despite receiving nearly US$1 million in performance fees.

Now, Kartel’s sudden shift to gospel is raising eyebrows. Is it a genuine spiritual awakening or a calculated pivot to rehab his image?

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Kartel claims his faith is real—and long-standing: “When I was in prison, I prayed every day… I said, ‘Father God, if you get me out of this situation, I’ll never stop praising you.’ I even have ‘love God’ tattooed on my face, twice.”

Still, critics point to the whiplash-like shift—from songs banned for disrespecting Christianity to full-blown gospel worship – as a confusing contradiction. Fans, however, appear more forgiving. Many have welcomed the new direction and praised Kartel’s post-prison output.

As he prepares to co-headline the Wireless Festival in the UK next month alongside Drake and Burna Boy, and with a 2025 Grammy nomination under his belt for Party With Me, Vybz Kartel is proving once again that he can’t be boxed in – whether by the justice system, public opinion, or even genre.

But for a man long defined by scandal and reinvention, the biggest question remains: Has Vybz Kartel truly found God or just another headline?

News Americas, New York, NY, June 10, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kes the Band is set to make history as the first soca group to headline Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 7:00 PM, marking a major milestone in the band’s 20-year journey and a groundbreaking moment for Caribbean music on a global platform.

FLASHBACK – Kes performing live on stage at Mann Center For Performing Arts on September 09, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

Toronto, a city close to the heart of lead vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, was the first international destination the band performed in after their debut in 2005. “This is a full circle moment,” said Dieffenthaller at a Toronto social mixer on May 27th according to RonFanfair.com. “Soca has always been the heartbeat of Toronto Carnival. Now, it’s time we step to the forefront and be celebrated on stages like Budweiser.”

The highly anticipated show, presented by Live Nation and the Summer of Sound, (SOS) Festival Inc., will include surprise guests, reflecting the band’s two-decade connection to the city and Caribbean diaspora.

Dieffenthaller paid homage to pioneers who championed soca in Canada. “This opportunity is the result of years of dedication, passion, and cultural pride from those who built something meaningful out of homesickness,” he shared. That cultural legacy inspired collaborations such as his 2010 studio session in Toronto with Kerwin Du Bois, where they co-wrote the hit “Wotless,” later winning the International Groovy Soca Monarch title and earning a BET Soul Train Music Award nomination.

In recognition of their cultural contributions, Trinidad & Tobago’s Consul General in Toronto, Simone Young, presented Kes the Band with a Cultural Impact Award. “From the Caribbean to Canada and beyond, Kes has carried the soul and heartbeat of our region in every performance,” said Young. “Their music is the soundtrack of joy, unity, and Caribbean pride.”

The June 14 concert promises to be a vibrant showcase of soca’s global rise, connecting generations and cultures through the unifying power of music.

Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster and Live Nation

News Americas, New York, NY, June 6, 2025: June marks Caribbean American Heritage Month and Black Music Month, and while the White House has yet to issue an official proclamation, the celebrations continue with a powerful lineup of new Caribbean music that’s sure to uplift spirits and honor Caribbean musical heritage.

From reggae jugglings and soulful rub-a-dub to high-energy dancehall, afrobeats-infused anthems, and genre-bending innovations, Caribbean artists are bringing the heat this month.

Leroy Sibbles Returns with a Star-Studded Reggae Compilation

Legendary reggae icon Leroy Sibbles showcases his lesser-known talent as a producer with Presenting Leroy Sibbles, a new compilation from Tad’s International Record. The album features standout tracks from various artists, including “Cool Natty” by Young Garvey, the song that sparked the project. Known for his pivotal role in The Heptones and as a bass player on classics like “Skylarking” and “Door Peep,” Sibbles continues to leave his mark on reggae history.

Christopher Martin’s “Wife & Sweetheart” Turns Heads

Christopher Martin is back with a bold and cheeky new single, “Wife & Sweetheart,” imagining harmony between a wife and a side partner. Produced by Chad “Mr. G” Simpson and Andrew “Buccaneer” Bradford, the song blends humor and fantasy with signature smooth vocals.

LISTEN HERE

Richie Stephens Delivers Love Anthem “A Woman’s Touch”

Veteran reggae singer Richie Stephens touches hearts with “A Woman’s Touch,” a soul-stirring rub-a-dub ballad produced by Jazzwad. It’s a dedication to the women who have supported him throughout his career and a celebration of love in its purest form.

Soul-Rebel Marley Releases Second Single “Holy Father”

Carrying forward his spiritual and musical legacy, Soul-Rebel Marley follows up his debut single “Loving Jah” with the newly released “Holy Father.” Out now via Tek Time Productions and Tuff Gong International, this Afrobeats-inspired track is a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and guidance. Produced by Soul-Rebel himself, the track features harmonies by his Grammy-winning mother Cedella Marley. The lyric video, now live on his YouTube channel, visually amplifies the song’s message of faith and thankfulness. Soul-Rebel, who recently performed alongside his brother Skip Marley and has produced for Jo Mersa and Sharon Marley, continues to forge his unique path in music.

LISTEN HERE

Frankie Paul Drops Only You

Also making a soulful return is Frankie Paul’s 1988 Lovers Rock gem “Only You,” from his album Sizzling. Backed by reggae legends like Sly & Robbie and Jackie Mittoo, the track showcases the heartfelt vocals and lyrical charm that earned him the nickname ‘Jamaica’s Stevie Wonder.’ Listen HERE

2025 Vincy Soca Comes Alive with Oxygen Riddim

Boss Raw Records presents the Oxygen Riddim, a high-energy soca juggling from producers Jayorn “Krooshal” Richards and Rajiv “Suh Raw” Sutherland. The riddim is pure Vincy soca magic, promising to ignite parties and festivals throughout the season.

International Dancehall Juggling on “Bad Intention Riddim”

Liondub International’s Bad Intention Riddim brings together a global lineup of dancehall talent, from Jamaica to the UK, US, and Canada. Highlights include tracks from Steamaz, Blakkamoore, Badda General, J Kinggz, and Capital D. This riddim proves dancehall’s global reach and timeless appeal. LISTEN HERE

J8’s “Turn n Twist” Celebrates Caribbean Roots and UK Fusion

UK-based J8, also known as Jacob Dwain Johnson, fuses dancehall rhythms with British energy in “Turn n Twist.” Inspired by his Jamaican grandfather’s reggae legacy, J8’s single is gaining viral traction and stands as a testament to cultural resilience and musical fusion. Check it out HERE

These tracks provide the perfect soundtrack for a month celebrating Caribbean culture, resilience, and rhythm.

News Americas, New York, NY, June 2, 2025: The highly anticipated return of Jamaican dancehall star Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer to the Trinidad and Tobago stage has ignited controversy, with the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association, (TTPA) now distancing itself from the failed event and warning of industry-wide fallout.

FLASHBACK – Vybz Kartel attends Vybz & Friends Live In Concert – Sunrise, FL at Amerant Bank Arena on May 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In a sharply worded statement released today, the TTPA expressed “extreme concern” over the circumstances surrounding the no-show of Kartel at the One Caribbean Musical Festival, (OCMF) this past weekend. The association clarified that the event’s promoter, JACHO Entertainment, is not a member of the TTPA and does not represent the broader promoter community in the twin-island republic.

“We do not speak for or on behalf of this group,” the association stated firmly. “However, when events fail, the impact ripples across the entire entertainment industry, harming our collective reputation and economic stability.”

The fallout began Saturday when Kartel’s management team announced the artist would not perform, citing the promoter’s failure to meet contractual obligations despite months of attempts to resolve issues.

“Vybz Kartel cannot in good conscience participate in an event where the organizers have not honored their basic commitments,” the team stated, noting the artist had been paid US$950,000 of a US$1.35 million contract, with an additional US$150,000 reportedly sent to his legal team. The remaining funds, the promoters claim, were withheld due to local financial regulations prohibiting large cash disbursements.

In a direct message to fans via Instagram on May 31, Kartel further revealed that he had clashed with the Trinidad and Tobago government after the promoter suggested he visit a youth center or school – something the artist says he never agreed to. “I’m an entertainer,” Kartel said. “My job is to perform for the people.”

He also accused the promoter of poor planning, alleging they ignored advice not to hold the event during Carnival season. “Not every promoter can manage a Kartel show. It takes a lot,” the Grammy-nominated artist added, while expressing regret that fans were robbed of the chance to see him live.

The TTPA echoed Kartel’s sentiment, stating the failed event did not meet the high standards associated with Trinidad and Tobago’s global reputation for event production. The organization now wants to use the incident as a catalyst for reform.

“We believe it is time to broaden the dialogue with government and private sector partners,” the TTPA said. The group is calling for deep legislative changes specific to the entertainment and tourism sectors, aiming to better protect patrons, creatives, and producers from similar debacles in the future.

They’ve proposed resuming negotiations with the Office of the Attorney General to draft and pass modern legislation tailored to the needs of the industry.

Meanwhile, T&T Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says he is intrigued by the amount of foreign exchange being mentioned in relation to payment fees for artistes involved in the One Caribbean Music Festival and has requested an investigation. Saturday’s event was reportedly sold out, but the attendance was poor, as many patrons did not bother to attend due to Kartel’s absence and instead demanded a refund.

Videos of irate attendees venting their frustrations by storming the stage, throwing bottles or even dancing half-naked made their way around social media yesterday, as thousands tuned in to witness the unfolding debacle at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

The organisers said they are committed to addressing how patrons will be reimbursed. An official acknowledged that some form of compensation may be necessary and noted that this will be discussed and finalised in the coming days.

Ticket prices ranged from $670 for general admission to $2,700 for VVIP. Representatives of the US-based company said it will seek legal redress for the collapsed deal, as it is now at risk of losing millions of dollars. It said while it is now accepted that it will suffer a loss, it will try to recover as much money as possible from the local partner – Jacho Entertainment Ltd

Jacho Entertainment Ltd. is a San Fernando-based entertainment, events and promotions company that was incorporated in 2015. Its two directors are Odane Anderson, events promoter, and Petel Jones, senior accountant.

As the dust settles, what’s clear is that the Kartel controversy has reignited urgent questions about promoters accountability and regulatory gaps.