Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has reportedly been granted a U.S. visa, fueling speculation that he may attend the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where his EP Party With Me is nominated for Best Reggae Album.
Multiple sources have indicated that the deejay secured the visa just in time for the prestigious event, scheduled for Sunday, February 2, at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena.
The buzz began on Monday when Kartel shared a video on Instagram expressing gratitude and faith. “God is the greatest. Faith can move mountains, and you see, teamwork makes the dream work. Never forget, always put God first and do good,” he said in the clip. Observers noted the timing of the post, speculating that Kartel had just left the U.S. embassy in Kingston. Adding to the rumors, the artist liked several comments referencing visas and the Grammys.
This development follows Kartel’s recent remarks about his excitement for the Grammy nomination. Speaking to Billboard, he reflected on his career trajectory and the challenges of pursuing music from behind bars. “If I wasn’t incarcerated, I would have been nominated already. But I understand, why would they want to nominate a dude in prison? I know if I wasn’t arrested, based on the trajectory that my career was on, I would have definitely won. But I’m very, very grateful,” he said.
Released on May 31, 2024, Party With Me was created under extraordinary circumstances while Kartel was imprisoned. The EP climbed to number two on the iTunes Top 100 Reggae Albums chart, earning him his first Grammy nomination alongside heavyweights like Bob Marley, Collie Buddz, The Wailers, and Shenseea.
Kartel’s U.S. visa application marks his first attempt to reenter the country since it was revoked in 2005 due to undisclosed allegations. With fellow dancehall legends Buju Banton and Beenie Man regaining their visas in recent years, optimism has been high about Kartel’s chances.
While the U.S. trip remains unconfirmed, Vybz Kartel is already slated to headline international festivals, including Wireless in England and SummerJam in Germany later this year.
