VYBZ KARTEL Evades Carnival Controversy in Trinidad During his Rum Launch

Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel demonstrated his media savvy in Trinidad and Tobago this week, deftly redirecting attention to his rum brand, STR8 VYBZ, even as his confirmed Carnival Friday performance looms. The controversial artiste, known for his sharp lyricism and undeniable influence, attended the official launch of his rum at the Angostura Solera Wine and Spirits Retail Store in Port-of-Spain. Despite the media's attempts to probe, Kartel played coy, keeping the focus on his entrepreneurial efforts while Carnival fans anticipated the revelation. “I love Carnival,” Kartel enthused, serenading attendees with a line from Destra and Machel Montano’s iconic It’s Carnival. Yet, when pressed about his upcoming performance, he said, “I cannot speak to that right now because we are just promoting STR8 VYBZ to the Trinidad people, to the Caribbean people.” The carefully measured response heightened the intrigue, but sources have since confirmed the “Worl’ Boss” will indeed take the stage on Carnival Friday, marking his first appearance during Trinidad’s premier festival in over a decade.