Former Rapper Shyne Visits Vybz Kartel and PM Holness in Jamaica

August 17, 2024

During his visit to Jamaica, former Bad Boy rapper turned politician Shyne Barrow met with multiple key figures in the country, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness. However, Barrow said on Saturday that he found his meeting with Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel particularly moving.

In regards to his meeting with the prime minister, Barrow, who is the opposition leader for Belize, met with him at Jamaica House on Wednesday. According to Barrow, the men discussed matters concerning both Jamaica and Belize, namely economic development, education, and citizen security.

Sharing a photo from his visit with Holness on his Instagram page and thanked him for providing invaluable wisdom as his party gets ready for the Belize election.

In addition to Holness, Barrow met with prominent figures such as Michael Lee-Chin, Mark Golding, and Lisa Hanna during his visit. But it was the former artiste’s meeting with Vybz Kartel this week that left him feeling emotional.

Barrow shared that he last saw the deejay in 2016 while he was incarcerated at the Horizon Correctional Facility in Kingston. The politician described the visit as distressing.

“It was a distressing experience to see a global musical icon in captivity. Having been wrongfully held in captivity myself I felt the pain of his suffering deeper than most. To now see my musical brother free in the flesh after 13 years of bondage moved me to the core,” Barrow wrote on Instagram.

He further expressed that Kartel’s resilience should be viewed as an inspiration, as he never gave up on his freedom or making music. Barrow also highlighted that life can humble all of us.

“All of us, especially the youth should know the resilience of Adidja Palmer is within all of us. We should also learn that life will humble you, life will sit you still to teach you but once you draw near to the Creator and never give up life will vindicate you,” Barrow said.

He went on to advise Kartel to take his time and enjoy his freedom. “Take your time brother Adi, be patient with yourself, move with humility, strategy and purpose. You have been resuscitated, given life anew, may you enjoy in good health.”