‘It’s a blessing’ - Lisa Hyper celebrates Portmore Empire reunion

Dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper, the self-proclaimed Gaza First Lady, is basking in a wave of nostalgia and gratitude as the Gaza Empire reunites after 13 years.

With Vybz Kartel and his co-accused recently freed, Lisa Hyper shared how the reunion has reignited her passion for the team that shaped her career and personal life.

"[There was] a lot a screaming," she recounted, describing her reaction to the news of Kartel's release on July 31. "Mi just lose control ... mi neva care how mi look [or] how mi sound, mi just run outta di house and start mek bare noise."

Once the excitement subsided, the Nuh Frighten singer was overcome with emotion, reflecting on the years of conversations she shared with Kartel during his incarceration.

"Mi always get emotional when mi really siddung and think bout dem certain way," she said, adding that her positivity kept her hopeful for this moment.

The Portmore Empire, led by Vybz Kartel, included Shawn Storm, Lisa Hyper, Jah Vinci, Popcaan, Gaza Indu, Gaza Kim, Sheba, and Black Ryno. The group disintegrated after Kartel, and Shawn Storm were arrested and later convicted alongside Andre St John and Kahira Jones for the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. However, after languishing behind bars for more than 13 years, the men were freed after the court quashed the conviction in July.

Lisa Hyper says reconnecting with Kartel, Shawn Storm, and Andre St John feels like regaining a long-lost family.

"Gaza started with me - I was there from the foundation... before the Gaza even think bout to be created. Suh seeing Shawn, Teddy, and Vybz... it's a blessing," she said.

Come New Year's Eve, members of the group are set to reunite at Vybz Kartel Freedom Street Party at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Meanwhile, Lisa Hyper has addressed rumours about a seeming "rekindled relationship" with the 'Worl' Boss' amid accusations from members of the public that she may be overstepping. As speculation swirls about her relationship with Kartel and his fiancee, Sidem Ozturk, Lisa Hyper was quick to shut down any negativity.

"I'm gonna keep it positive. If I'm there, I'm supposed to be there. And Sidem and I are fine - there's never a negative moment or negative energy when we are around each other because he [Kartel] is family."

"I've been learning from him from a tender age and mi can't go roun dat, and mi grateful fi everything weh mi learn from him because knowledge is very important to me and mi grateful fi all a weh mi learn from him," she said.

"I don't think people realise how far wi a come from...suh it don't mek no sense mi even try fi explain because mi nuh think dem ago understand," the Gaza First Lady said.

Meanwhile, Lisa Hyper admitted that the reunion with Vybz Kartel has caused her to reflect on how his absence impacted her career.

"It affected me a lot, I'm not gonna go around it," she said.

But Lisa Hyper is not prepared to just lament about what could have been. She is determined to move forward with all the energy she can muster.

"I know how to adopt and when it comes on to doing what I have to do, I'm gonna do it. Mi wouldn't get di title, First Lady, if mi neva know weh it tek.

With her career back on track, Lisa Hyper is making waves with her latest single, Attitude, which debuted at number one on the iTunes Music Video Chart. The track also peaked at number nine on the iTunes Reggae Chart and number 17 on the US All Genres Chart.

As the Gaza Empire prepares for a full reunion this Christmas, Lisa Hyper is savouring the joy of family and freedom.

"Right now, I'm just giving thanks," she said, her excitement for the future unmistakable.