Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been arrested by Jamaican police on suspicion of murder.
Real name Adijah Palmer, Vybz Kartel is one of the most controversial figures in Jamaican music. The dancehall star has immense popular appeal, with his cut ‘Clarks’ single-handily sparking a rush on the British shoe company in Jamaica.
However balanced against this commercial success is a link to the Kingston underworld. Vybz Kartel was involved in a fued with fellow artist Mavado, an argument which apparently led to spiralling violence in the inner cities of Jamaica.
Now Vybz Kartel has apparently been arrested and charged with murder. The dancehall star was arrested by Jamaican police in relation to the death of promoter Barrington Burton, who was murdered earlier this year.
Investigators from Jamaican authorities claim that Vybz Kartel was involved in a conspiracy to kill the promoter. A statement from Jamaican police (via The Guardian) reads:
“The allegation is that on Monday, July 11, 2011, Palmer, along with other men, conspired to murder Barrington Burton o/c ‘Bossie’, a 27-year-old businessman/promoter of a Gregory Park address in St Catherine. Burton was murdered while he was standing with friends along Walkers Avenue in Gregory Park”.
Vybz Kartel was initially arrested on Friday for possession of marijuana. Declining to comment, the dancehall star’s legal team have vowed to fight the charges.
Of course, this is far from the first time the singer has been involved in trouble with the authorities. Vybz Kartel has previously been arrested on charges including assault and illegal gun possession – all charges were later dropped.
The case is ongoing.
