Vybz Kartel wins appeal against murder conviction

Jamaica’s longest running court case

Vybz Kartel, Jamaica’s renowned dancehall artist, has been incarcerated for nearly a decade alongside fellow musicians Shawn Storm, Kahira Jones, and André St John. Their trial, spanning 65 days, marked the lengthiest legal battle in Jamaica’s history.

Recently, concerns arose regarding Kartel’s health as he combats Graves’ Disease, a condition exacerbated by his prolonged imprisonment. Initially sentenced to life, Kartel became eligible for parole after 35 years, while his co-accused faced similar terms, varying from 15 to 25 years.

In a dramatic turn of events, Kartel and his associates appealed their convictions at the Privy Council in London, citing mishandling of juror misconduct allegations. The revelation of attempted bribery among jurors posed a critical challenge during the trial. Despite objections, the judge proceeded with 11 jurors, including the accused briber, a decision later deemed “fatal to the safety of the convictions” by Judge Lord Lloyd-Jones.

Now, the Court of Appeal in Jamaica is poised to determine whether Kartel and his co-defendants will face retrial. Despite his confinement, Kartel maintains an influential presence in Jamaica’s music scene, earning the moniker “King of the Dancehall.” Even from his cell, he continued to release music and co-authored a book, “The Voice of the Jamaica Ghetto.”

Though another murder case against Kartel collapsed due to insufficient evidence, the impact of his legal battles reverberates, highlighting the enduring saga of one of Jamaica’s most captivating figures.

As his popularity grew, he increasingly got in trouble with the law. Last year, another murder case against Kartel collapsed due to insufficient evidence, highlighting the enduring saga of one of Jamaica’s most captivating figures.

Children from three schools rap the dangers of charging e-scooters and e-bikes.

Children from three schools in Windermere are learning how to rap, while being taught the dangers of charging e-scooters and e-bikes.

Students from Goodly Dale, Windermere School, and The Lakes School in Windermere are collaborating with local rap duo JD and Swerve. Their mission is to rap about the responsible charging of e-scooters and e-bikes.

The project was funded by Electrical Safety First, this artistic initiative, involving approximately 60 children, comes in response to a recent incident in Windermere that left a motorbike rider with potential life-changing injuries.

The motivation behind this project stems from a real concern for the safety of both riders and pedestrians. Recently, Windermere parents received a reminder of the potential hazards associated with e-scooters when a teenager, just 16 years old at the time, was convicted for causing a crash that resulted in a motorbike rider sustaining potentially life-changing injuries. The incident occurred outside Letchworth Railway Station on a fateful January evening when the young rider, disregarding the red pedestrian lights at 8:30 pm, collided with the oncoming motorbike.

This unfortunate event has sparked conversations not only among parents but also on a national level. With the UK government extending its e-scooter trials until May 2026, there’s a pressing need to balance safety, user accountability, and market growth. Ministers have said they will wait until the tests are complete before they consider tightening up the law.

These trials have been extended three times already.

By using the power of rap, these youngsters are contributing to a campaign that could potentially prevent future accidents like this and raise awareness about the dangers associated with electric bikes and scooter

More than 20,000 crimes involving e-scooters have been recorded by forces over the past three years, with a rise of 60 per cent over the same period (stock image)

Gospel Singer Faces Police Harassment for Public Performance. New video shows FIVE of Met’s finest jobsworths not doing there job

A volunteer police officer incorrectly told singer that she could not sing Gospel music outside of Church.

In a disturbing incident on Oxford Street, London, a volunteer police officer wrongly told singer Harmonie that singing church songs outside the confines of a church was prohibited. The encounter escalated, leading to a shocking intervention by five police officers, sparking criticism from onlookers questioning the allocation of police resources and taxpayer money.

Harmonie is 20 years old from London, who shares her love for the Lord through her music she usually sings outside Oxford street which she shares on her Instagram @haroineldn. You can see on her account she has left audiences in good spirits feeling joy, happy and love for the Lord. Harmonie has over 300,000 subscribers on YouTube and regularly performs throughout the capital, she claims the situation left her feeling ‘humiliated’, ‘sad’ and ‘bullied’.

Harmoine was singing outside John Lewis’ flagship store when she faced the unwarranted intervention of volunteer police officer Maya Hadzhipetkova. The incident, caught on camera, reveals a heated exchange between onlookers and the officers involved. One passer-by expressed frustration, questioning why law enforcement wasn’t prioritizing more serious crimes such as murders and assaults instead of targeting a harmless busker.

The video footage exposes the unnecessary involvement of law enforcement, with one officer even sarcastically remarking that they would attend a murder only when informed. The situation took an inappropriate turn when, at the end of the encounter, an officer stuck her tongue out at the singer, displaying unprofessional conduct unbecoming of law enforcement.

 

Scotland Yard have since apologised for the mishap, explaining that the supposed breach was due to unlicensed busking

This incident is not an isolated case, as instances of Christian Gospel singers and preachers facing harassment and humiliation from the police have been reported before. Such actions can contribute to a growing mistrust of law enforcement by the public, as they question the priorities and legitimacy of such interventions.

The Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard have issued an apology for the mishap, acknowledging that the perceived breach was related to unlicensed busking rather than the content of Harmonie’s performance. Hadzhipetkova is currently under investigation for her actions, emphasizing the need for accountability within law enforcement. This has led to Met Police being forced to apologise to the singer, admitting they had got it wrong after officers threatened to take away her instruments following a performance of Amazing Grace.

This highlights the importance of protecting freedom of speech, artistic expression, and the rights of individuals, especially in public spaces. It raises concerns about the potential misuse of police authority and the need for proper training to ensure officers are well-versed in the laws they are enforcing. As society continues to value diversity and inclusivity, incidents like these underscore the significance of respecting individual rights and fostering a harmonious relationship between the public and law enforcement.

UK grime artist D Double E and producer Fumez is representing Japan’s biggest fighting game Tekken 8

UK artist D Double E and producer Fumez The Engineer have teamed up for Tekken 8 song (The Anthem), a new rap single celebrating the new game’s release.

UK artist D Double E and producer Fumez The Engineer have joined forces to create a thrilling rap anthem celebrating the much-anticipated release of Tekken 8.

The Tekken franchise, which first debuted a staggering 30 years ago, has recently dropped its eighth instalment to widespread acclaim. Departing from tradition, the game’s creators collaborated with renowned figures from the UK’s vibrant grime scene instead of selecting a Japanese artist.

To mark the occasion the publisher behind the game, Bandai Namco, has released a single – Tekken 8 (The Anthem).

D Double E, the MC is also featured on TEKKEN 8 (The Anthem) and previously recorded bars about a rival fighting game. His 2010 track Street Fighter Riddim was filled with references to that series, but his latest set of lyrics required him to get up to speed with 30 years of plot points from Tekken.

But he thinks it will be worth it to expose the rest of the world to the UK’s growing grime scene.

Grime producer Fumez is another Londoner says Tekken was his “childhood game”.

Now 30, he’s worked on tracks from some of the biggest artists on the UK’s drill scene, including Central Cee, and says getting a chance to work on TEKKEN 8 (The Anthem) – “feels very special”.

Described as “moody and melancholic from the get-go” by Bandai Namco in a press release,

“Tekken 8 (The Anthem)” promises to be a cinematic sonic experience that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.

Fans can immerse themselves further in the Tekken universe by watching the music video for “Tekken 8 (The Anthem),” now available on YouTube

Kingsley Ben-Adir ‘Thank God I asked for a singing teacher!’ as he brings Bob Marley to life

Unraveling the Two-Year Odyssey: Bob Marley Biopic Star Discusses the Challenges of Capturing Iconic Moments

Actor Kingsley Ben-Adir talks about perfecting his patois, the power of authenticity and what its like to play an iconic artist such as Bob Marley.

In a downtown studio, 37-year-old actor Kingsley Ben-Adir is on the brink of immersing himself into the final moments of dialogue for the upcoming biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love.” Slated for release on Valentine’s Day weekend, the film marks a pivotal point in Ben-Adir’s career, as he steps into the iconic shoes of the legendary Bob Marley.

Known for his solid supporting roles in projects like “Barbie,” “Secret Invasion,” and “One Night in Miami,” where he portrayed Malcolm X, Ben-Adir now faces the daunting task of playing the Jamaican musical maestro. One of his challenges is imitating Marley’s distinctive patois.

What drew Ben-Adir to this project was its unique storytelling approach. Rather than opting for the conventional cradle-to-grave biopic format, “Bob Marley: One Love” zooms in on a pivotal two-year period. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Jamaica in 1976, Marley, already a global star, found himself entangled in a wave of violence stemming from political rivalries.

Attempting to maintain a neutral stance, Marley’s decision to organize a peace concert irked both political factions. The climax occurred just two days before the scheduled event when armed gunmen stormed Marley’s “safe house” at 56 Hope Road. Aiming for the reggae legend, a bullet missed his chest but lodged into his arm. In a miraculous turn of events, both Marley and his wife, Rita, survived the attack.

Choosing self-imposed exile in London, Marley channeled his emotions of betrayal, anger, and hope into the creation of the groundbreaking album “Exodus,” released in 1977. This transformative period birthed some of Marley’s most beloved tracks, including “Jamming,” “Three Little Birds,” “One Love/People Get Ready,” and the evocative title track, “Exodus.”

As Ben-Adir delves into the intricacies of Marley’s life during this turbulent chapter, he grapples not only with the challenge of perfecting the musician’s patois but also with authentically portraying the profound moments that defined an era. In the actor’s own words, capturing the “strange magnetism” of Bob Marley is no easy feat, but it’s a challenge he willingly embraces in bringing this extraordinary story to the silver screen.

Jamacianopoly new limited board game

Your Digital Network (YDN) Introduces a Limited Edition Board Game Celebrating Jamaican Heritage.

Your Digital Network has once again proven its commitment to making local connections and supporting communities, this time through the introduction of an exciting limited edition board game Jamaicanopoly.

Inspired by the vibrant and culturally rich island country of Jamaica, situated in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaicanopoly offers players a unique opportunity to engage in property trading while celebrating the essence of Jamaica.

You can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Jamaican culture as you explore iconic landmarks like the Bob Marley Museum and Dunn’s River Falls on the custom game board. Traditional Monopoly money is replaced with Jamaican currency, adding an authentic touch to the game and providing players with a truly immersive experience.

The game is designed to educate families and children about the most popular landmarks on the island and in still a sense of Jamaican heritage in an entertaining and interactive way. As players navigate the streets of Jamaica, they have the chance to grow their empires, bit by bit, creating a thrilling experience that combines strategy and fun.

Jamaicanopoly has quickly become a sensation in the UK, bringing families together and spreading joy from country to town. Artists such as LA Gray, have even contributed their music to the promotional advertising of this exciting board game.

Stacey McIntosh, a satisfied customer, shared her enthusiasm, saying,

“Super fun! Our set did come with metal character pieces that scream Jamaica. My 10-year-old loves Jamaicanopoly.”

Reviews pouring in from delighted customers further attest to the game’s success.

Rowe Lucas commended the quick delivery and friendly customer service: “Arrived quickly and provided friendly customer service, which is pretty hard to find these days.”

For more information and to read additional reviews, visit the Jamaicanopoly website or To get your hands on this limited edition board game that promises unlimited fun, contact

www.chalkhillcommunityradio.com

Blaze at 07956548781 or Isaac at 07535644850.

Don’t miss your chance to roll the dice and embark on an adventure of building your empire, all while celebrating Jamaica with Jamaicanopoly.

Vybz Kartel to appeal murder conviction in UK

Vybz Kartel JAILED DANCEHALL star will appeal will his murder conviction in the United Kingdom next month.

Kartel remains one of Jamaica’s biggest music stars and is fondly referred to as the ‘King of the Dancehall.’ His biggest track hit 84 million views called “Summertime”.
Kartel’s lawyer, Isat Buchanan, expresses optimism for a complete overturn of the conviction, citing potential issues with key evidence, such as a text message believed to be from Kartel’s phone, which he claims was tampered with during the trial.

He said “We are looking for a complete overturn of the conviction,” Buchanan told the news outlet. Our hope is that the Privy Council in reviewing the evidence including the fresh evidence that will be put before them, would come to the conclusion that everyone who has looked at the case or certainly has access to the material, will find that the conviction is unsafe and cannot stand.”

The hearing is expected to take place on 14 February at the UK’s Privy Council – which serves as the highest court of appeal for several Commonwealth countries including Jamaica.

Notably, Vybz Kartel holds the distinction of being the first dancehall artist to feature in his own reality TV show, a testament to his widespread acclaim. Despite his imprisonment, the 48-year-old artist’s appeal is scheduled for February 14 at the UK’s Privy Council, the highest court of appeal for Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica.

The London-based hearing, commencing on February 14, will also address the appeals of Kartel’s co-defendants Shawn Campbell (Shawn Storm), Kahira Jones, and André St John. Their convictions were upheld by Jamaica’s Court of Appeal in April 2020, marking the end of the longest-running court case in the nation’s history.

Vybz Kartel, behind bars for almost a decade, faced health concerns last year, battling Graves’ Disease. The artist received a life sentence with parole eligibility after 35 years, while his co-accused have varying parole timelines. If the Privy Council appeal is unsuccessful, Kartel may be eligible for parole in 2046.

The legal journey has been emotionally charged, with Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams’ family expressing satisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s verdict in April 2020. However, the subsequent permission granted to the convicted men to appeal to the Privy Council in the UK reopens the possibility of a different outcome, injecting uncertainty into this prolonged legal saga.

AI companies ‘could exploit artists’

The misuse of AI companies could exploit artists.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in transformative changes across diverse industries, but recent controversies have brought to light concerns surrounding its potential misuse, particularly in the context of copyrighted material. A former executive from a leading tech startup has raised alarms about the potential exploitation of musicians through the unauthorized use of copyrighted music by AI companies.

At the heart of the issue lies the training of AI models on an extensive database of existing songs, employing them to generate new music based on text prompts. Ed Newton-Rex, who resigned from his role at Stability AI’s audio team, voiced disagreement with the company’s assertion that training generative AI models on copyrighted works falls under “fair use” of the material.

This contentious approach has already led to legal disputes, as evidenced by The New York Times filing a lawsuit against Open AI, the creator of the revolutionary ChatGPT. The newspaper alleges that Open AI, backed by Microsoft, unlawfully used its articles to train and create ChatGPT, which now competes with traditional news sources and jeopardizes the newspaper’s ability to provide reliable information.

The parallel between the media and music industries prompts broader questions about the ethical implications of AI’s use of copyrighted material. Emad Mostaque, co-founder, and CEO of Stability AI, argues that fair use supports creative development. However, critics express concerns that this interpretation could lead to the exploitation of artists and creators, as their work becomes the foundation for AI models without explicit consent.

While there are positive aspects to the use of AI, such as creative development, efficiency, automation, and technological advancements, challenges and concerns are also emerging. Copyright infringement and the exploitation of artists have ignited debates about whether training AI models on copyrighted works constitutes fair use, sparking concerns about the potential exploitation of artists and creators.

The emergence of AI-generated content also introduces competition with traditional industries. Traditional media and entertainment sectors may face threats to their existence and financial stability.

In conclusion, while AI brings remarkable advancements, the ethical considerations surrounding its use of copyrighted material emphasize the need for a balance between innovation and respecting the rights of creators. Striking this balance will be crucial to ensuring that AI contributes positively to various industries without compromising the integrity and rights of those who fuel its creative processes.

Community Gospel Choir and special guests to celebrate at the Royal Albert Hall

THE London Community Gospel Choir will be joined by some very special guests as they return to the Royal Albert Hall for their annual Christmas show this week.

‘Tis the season for a spectacular celebration of music, faith, and joy as The London Community Gospel Choir takes center stage at the iconic Royal Albert Hall for their annual Christmas extravaganza.

This Tuesday promises an unforgettable festive soirée, with the renowned choir joined by a constellation of musical luminaries. Brace yourself for an evening featuring the soulful Beverley Knight, the melodious singer-songwriter Dani Miché, the smooth R&B and jazz vibes of Tony Momrelle, and the dynamic energy of singer, musician, and producer JJ Rosa.

Since their formation in 1982, the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) has been a beacon of unity, love and peace and sharing there faith for the creator through the power of music and faith. Pioneering the sounds of British gospel music, the choir skyrocketed to fame, earning a well-deserved reputation as Europe’s leading gospel brand and one of the most sought-after choirs across the global stage.

With a rich history spanning 41 years, LCGC has graced some of the UK’s most prestigious events and venues, including the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, the legendary Glastonbury Festival, the historic Live 8, and the impactful World Aids Festival. Notably, they hold a Guinness World Record for assembling the largest Mass Gospel Choir, a testament to their global influence.

Their impressive resume includes collaborations with music legends such as Tom Jones, Elton John, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Adele, Blur, The 1975, and the incomparable Mariah Carey, among a host of others.

Hosted by the delightful Smooth Radio personality, Angie Greaves, the show promises an enchanting blend of uplifting festive tunes and timeless gospel classics. Get ready to be transported into a realm where the spirit of Christmas resonates through soul-stirring melodies and harmonies, courtesy of the London Community Gospel Choir and their illustrious guests. This Christmas, let the Royal Albert Hall be the backdrop to your unforgettable musical journey.

Leonn Meade, Creative and Musical Director of London Community Gospel Choir says

“We’re very much about bringing people together, celebrating life, hope and love in such an incredible atmosphere”

 

Boyz II Men hit the UK next Spring

The successful RnB boy band Boyz II Men will return to the UK next Spring for three sensational live shows.

Get ready to groove to the soulful beats as the iconic RnB sensation, Boyz II Men, makes a triumphant return to the UK next Spring, promising three nights of pure musical allure that fans won’t soon forget.
Boyz II Men, the chart-topping RnB boy band, is all set to grace the stage with their full band, delivering an unforgettable evening that will leave their die-hard fans in awe. In a musical era where ’90s RnB is experiencing a resurgence in influence and popularity across generations, these three dates are destined to sell out in the blink of an eye.
Boyz II Men are a trio composed of baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman they are an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies.

The multi-platinum selling and multi-Grammy award-winning Boyz II Men are most known for there hit song “End of the Road” in 1992, reached the top of charts worldwide. “End of the Road” would set a new record for longevity, staying at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for thirteen weeks, breaking the decades-old record held by Elvis Presley.

The soulful journey continues on Monday, April 21, at the Manchester BEC Arena, and reaches its peak on Thursday, April 24, at the Birmingham Academy. As the group expresses their excitement about the upcoming tour, they share,

“We get so excited going on the road and we love performing for our fans, but coming to the UK is extra special to us. The vibe of British fans is really something else; we can’t wait to come back.”