Vybz Kartel embraces his new look while sharing “then and now” photos.
The dancehall legend was on the receiving end of some recent social media trolling for his new look after his release from prison over the summer, with some fans commenting on the striking differences in his facial features. Urban Islandz previously reported that Vybz Kartel was battling several ailments while behind bars, including a heart condition, thyroid issues, and Graves’ Disease, which caused swellings in his face and neck area.
Last week, Vybz Kartel shared a photo of himself before going to prison in 2011 and after his release thirteen years later. The photo shows him sporting a smile while wearing a red headgear. “Then & Now,” he wrote while embracing his new look with a beard and some noticeably grey hairs.
Kartel gets a lot of positive comments from his fans, who shared their reactions to the photos. “Well age brings reason, and to me now you are a real teacher you know why because you now have a better understanding, once you put god first you can move mountains and is that bless up,” one fan wrote. One female Gaza fan said, “Look nice then and now Teacha… stay focus on your health… Ignore da bad mind them True fans Neva leave an Neva judge.”
Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, will be celebrating his 49th birthday on January 7, 2025. The dancehall star will be celebrating his birthday a week earlier with his first post-prison concert at the National Stadium, in Kingston. The show, dubbed Freedom Street, is expected to be one of the biggest stage shows in Jamaica’s history. The event’s promoter, Downsound Entertainment, says tickets are almost sold out.
Kartel will be performing a 3-hour set with some guest artists to take the stage including his sons Likke Vybz and Likkle Addi.
