Tag: Vybz Kartel

Offensive songs: Hits and Jams Entertainment, Baby Skello yet to meet ERC

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has reported that Hits and Jams Entertainment has not responded to a request to meet with the commission regarding an offensive Vybz Kartel song.
The offensive song, Good Like Jesus, was strongly condemned, particularly by the Christian community. Notably, the Jamaican artiste is scheduled to perform in Guyana on May 24, 2025.
The ERC, in a statement, said it has written to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), urging it to prohibit the broadcast of the song across radio and television platforms.
In addition, the ERC has called on Kartel to issue a public apology to the people of Guyana, particularly the Christian community, for the offensive and insensitive content contained in the song.
The Commission has also requested a meeting with Daniel Wharton, also known by his stage name Baby Skello, who earlier this month released a song that drew strong criticism from the Hindu community.
The ERC noted that Wharton has yet to make contact with the commission. The ERC is calling on Wharton to come forward and meet the Commission urgently to address this important matter.
The Commission said it has noted with deep disappointment the increase in religiously and ethnically insensitive content being produced and disseminated.
“The ERC remains committed to its constitutional mandate of promoting harmony and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Guyana. The Commission continues to urge all stakeholders, including entertainers and broadcasters, to act responsibly and with consideration for Guyana’s rich ethnic diversity and commitment to national unity,” the release said.

Vybz Kartel brings STR8 VYBZ to Guyana

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

STR8 VYBZ rum is the latest alcoholic beverage on Guyana’s entertainment scene as the drink was today launched at the Pegasus Suites by dancehall icon VyBz Kartel.

The Jamaican superstar and partners revealed four types of the liquor; Electric, a white rum, Ramping shop an enhanced rum , Fever an overproof rum and Unstoppable a dark rum.

Each of the drinks were inspired by a song from the artist’s catalog and personifies it’s lyrics.

Rahim Mohamed executive manager of Angostura, the global distributor for STR8 VYBZ said that the inspiration behind the liquor came frm VyBz Kartel whose influence has transcended music.

He said that the company had met with Vybz and team in October of last year to develop the STR8 VYBZ which has been tested, developed and approved by the artiste.

Natasha Dass Chief Executive Officer of A. S Brayden and Sons (Guyana) Inc. the local distributor said that the partners are not just launching a rum, but a legacy of talent and an unstoppable force that has shaped dancehall music.

Acknowledging Guyana’s leading role as a rum producer, Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, emphasised his confidence in the rum’s success here, stating that he has always been an entrepreneurship which has been a part of his niche and the culture.

He said that while it is easy to promote a product the challenge is to ensure the product is on par with competitors.

He assured however the the product will sell itself given its high quality along side Vybz Kartel’s stardom.

So far, the product has sold out since hitting Caribbean markets where it has been introduced.

In the near future, the partners will be approaching markets in Europe, Canada, the US and Africa among others.

Vybz is scheduled to be back in Guyana in May for the Independence Baderation show where he said patrons could expected an electrifying and energetic show after 13 years of incarceration.

The four variations of STR8 VYBZ

The four variations of STR8 VYBZ

Vybz Kartel promises two musical collaborations with local artists

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Jamaican international artist Vybz Kartel has pledged to collaborate with two local artists following a meeting hosted by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in Georgetown on Friday.

Kartel is currently in Guyana for the Str8 Vybz Rum launch, scheduled for Saturday, and is expected to return in May for the Hits and Jams Genesis Independence Weekend Baderation Mega Concert.

During his visit, he met with the President and local musicians at State House, where he shared insights about his life experiences, including his time in prison and the lessons he has learned. The engagement also provided an opportunity for local musicians to ask questions and seek advice.

Kartel encouraged the artists to actively promote and market themselves while emphasizing the importance of authenticity in their music. He urged them to “sing your truth and keep it real,” drawing inspiration from their personal experiences. Additionally, he motivated a differently-abled artist, encouraging him not to let his disability hinder his musical journey.

Local artist Alabama expressed gratitude to Kartel for inspiring fellow musicians, while female dancehall, reggae, and soca artist Mattick Queen thanked him for creating a platform that supports female artists. Meanwhile, another local artist, Acidic, seized the opportunity to request a collaboration with Kartel.

In response, Kartel promised to return to Guyana before the May concert to record two collaborations—one with a male artist and another with a female artist.

“Vybz Kartel will be coming back to Guyana before the show, and we will do a showcase featuring the local artists. Things are gonna come out of that—two collaborations. One with me and a man, one with me and a ‘oman,’” Kartel assured.

President Ali welcomed the initiative, stating that artists will audition prior to the collaborations. He lightheartedly shared that he has written over 200 songs and enjoys songwriting. Additionally, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local artists and thanked Kartel for being a source of motivation and inspiration to the local music industry.