Adidja Azim Palmer, born 7 January 1976, better known as Vybz Kartel, is a Jamaican dancehall artist nicknamed Worl’ Boss, Teacha, and King of Dancehall. Known for his provocative lyrics and mischievous persona, he influenced artists like Drake.
His hits include “Romping Shop”, “Dancehall Hero”, and “Summer Time”. In 2014, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, but his conviction was quashed in March 2024. He was released on 31 July 2024 after the court declined a retrial.
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Vybz Kartel Net Worth
Vybz Kartel has a net worth of $1 million. He is a songwriter, businessman, and a convicted artist. In January 2020, he released To Tanesha, a 10-track album dedicated to his ex-wife, Tanesha Johnson, with production by Short Boss Muzik and Vybz Kartel Muzik.

On 26 June 2020, he dropped his fifteenth studio album, Of Dons & Divas. In April 2020, the Jamaican Court of Appeal upheld his conviction but reduced his parole eligibility to 32 years and 6 months.
Early Life
Palmer began his career in 1993 as a teenager, recording “Love Fat Woman” under the name Adi Banton, a tribute to Buju Banton, for Alvin Reid’s One Heart label. He later joined the group Vybz Kartel, eventually keeping the name. He claimed to have written nearly 30 songs, including “Gal Clown”.
Mentored by Bounty Killer, Kartel gained fame in 2003 with several hits and a violent on-stage clash with Ninjaman at Sting in Portmore. He later apologized, and both artists publicly reconciled days after the incident.
Career
Despite his incarceration in 2011, Vybz Kartel continued releasing music. In 2016, he dropped King of the Dancehall, which peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Reggae Charts and featured “Fever”, his most streamed track, certified gold in 2020. In 2020, he released To Tanesha and Of Dons & Divas.
Though his conviction was reaffirmed in April 2020, it was quashed by the UK Privy Council in March 2024. On 31 July 2024, Kartel and co-accused were freed after the court declined a retrial.
Personal life
Vybz Kartel’s first child was born on 18 April 2003 with longtime girlfriend Tanesha ‘Shorty’ Johnson, with whom he has two more children. He has seven children total, including sons Jaheim (Likkle Vybz) and Akheel Raheim Palmer (Likkle Addi), who have pursued music since 2014.

Kartel suffers from Graves’ disease and a heart condition. He is engaged to Sidem Öztürk, a London social worker met in 2015. In August 2024, they launched a YouTube channel called “Kiss Me Baby.”
What Disease Does Vybz Kartel Have?
Vybz Kartel has been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition, and has faced health challenges during his incarceration.
Conclusion
Vybz Kartel’s net worth of $1 million is indicative of his influence and success in the dancehall music scene. His career has been marked by both artistic triumphs and personal challenges, including his current incarceration.
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FAQs about Vybz Kartel Net Worth
- What is Vybz Kartel’s estimated net worth? – Approximately $1 million.
- What contributed to Vybz Kartel’s rise to fame? – His hit songs in the early 2000s and unique style in dancehall music.
- What health issues does Vybz Kartel face? – He suffers from Graves’ disease, a thyroid-related condition.
- Where is Vybz Kartel currently? – He is serving a life sentence in prison for murder.
- Why was Vybz Kartel convicted and jailed? – He was convicted for the murder of Clive Williams in 2011.
