“God is the best!” These had been a few of the first phrases echoed by dancehall icon Adijah ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer as he took to the stage of the Utilita Enviornment in Newcastle, England, on the 2025 staging of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards.
The Worl’ Boss was crammed with gratitude as he accepted this yr’s honourary Impression Award on the in style music awards present.
“Take into consideration this — I acquired locked up — did 13 years in jail. In the meantime, I am in jail; I am identified with Graves’ illness. So, I am preventing to be free, preventing my sickness, preventing to maintain my household collectively”, Palmer said.
“And look how God nice! I acquired nominated for a Grammy for an album I did in jail. Obtained launched from jail, acquired engaged to my fiancee who’s from England, and now I’m right here, and I can stroll the purple carpet on the MOBOs,” the entertainer stated excitedly.
The Clarkes deejay was all smiles as he accepted his award alongside his son, Likkle Vybz, his fiancee, Sidem Ozturk, and Queen of the Dancehall, Spice, who was additionally the presenter of the award.
Vybz Kartel was nominated for a Grammy within the Greatest Reggae Album class for his album Occasion With Me. The award went to Bob Marley: One Love – Music Impressed by the Movie.
“The phrase ‘legend’ is usually an overused one, however on this case, it nearly would not do him justice, the winner of the MOBO Impression Award is [none] apart from the King of Dancehall,” Spice stated earlier than presenting the award to Kartel.
“[Vybz Kartel] is a real pioneer of dancehall. He has redefined the style together with his fearless lyrics, infectious vitality and groundbreaking sound… His impression stretches far past the shores of Jamaica, and his music has impressed a technology,” she added as the sector erupted in applause.
Palmer, whereas closing his acceptance speech, defined that the second reminded him of the three life classes his over decade-long trials have taught him about religion, change and forgiveness.
He exited the stage, award in hand, to one among his most impactful catchphrases, “I am Out”.
Spice and Kartel additionally carried out on the present.
In early bulletins, Shenseea gained the award for Greatest Caribbean Act. Popcaan, Skillibeng. Spice, Valiant and YG Marley had been the opposite nominees within the class.
The MOBO Awards are a celebration of black music and tradition in the UK. Kanya King and Andy Ruffell based the occasion in 1996.
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