US visa would put Kartel on a higher level, says publisher

Vybz Kartel's business partner and co-author of his book, The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto, Michael Dawson, said a reinstatement of the deejay's US visa would elevate his international status and attract more corporate branding.

Though not confirming whether the online speculation that the deejay had received a visa was factual, Dawson told THE STAR that a visa would open many more doors for the talented singer.

"I just can't say it's confirm - me personally - I don't want to jinx certain things, but I know that there are things happening. But all I know is, if it is to happen, this will put him on a higher level. [Kartel is] viewed as a mainstream artiste here in the US, he's no longer a 'dancehall artiste,' that label is long gone," said Dawson.

"He's just Vybz Kartel, like any other major superstar in the US. So I think there's another level that's there for the future because it's been a while and I know before he was incarcerated the kind of offers/shows he was getting, so I can imagine what it would be now." Dawson said Vybz Kartel has all the attributes of a major superstar and understands major markets, adding that the anticipation to see the artiste internationally is also huge.

Vybz Kartel's US visa was revoked in 2005, with no explanation. Since then, the 'Worl Boss' has not set foot on US soil as he was incarcerated six years later on murder charges, that were later quashed. Dawson said that since Vybz Kartel's release from prison last July, sales of The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto have skyrocketed.

"We are re-ordering now and we're going to do a 'Freedom' edition because the book was published [in 2012] when he was incarcerated; [as] on the cover it said 'incarcerated but not silenced'. The message will remain the same but there are certain things in it that we'll change. In fact, his last sentence in the book ' Until we meet again, I remain Adidja Azim Palmer,' spoke to when he's free...so he probably has a different message for the fans now," said Dawson.

The book was the "number one selling book in Jamaica for eight years and was ranked number two on Amazon" but Dawson opined that it "has not scratched the surface of the impact it should have".

"The main author wasn't around when it was published and the general feeling was like 'No we naah support it' but now everyone will listen to him," he said. He shared that the aim is to re-release the book during Black History Month. Dawson, who's also publishing books for the family of Marcus Garvey, is set for an international college book tour in the US in which students will explore the life, legacy, redemption, struggles and impact of the hero, and Vybz Kartel. Dawson is also set to release another Vybz Kartel-inspired book, The Day the Dog Died, which captures insights of the artiste's childhood journey through the eyes of his sister.

Dawson said if the 'new' Vybz Kartel should hit the international market, more of the corporate companies will definitely be offering him major deals.

"He has no conviction of any major crimes on paper...he has been having more poignant discussions now - nothing that anyone will be embarrassed about...and his story of redemption is quite marketable and is now aligned with someone who is now saying, 'Youth, badness nuh pay, stay away, jail nuh nice suh just focus on yuh family,'" Dawson reasoned.

"Vybz Kartel's redemption story, is gonna be global. You don't have many people who got that amount a time in jail and be so impactful so quickly...and remember he's battling health issues. But it's a story which transcends dancehall and Jamaica," he added.