Former Bad Boy Records rapper-turned-politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has some words of wisdom for dancehall star Vybz Kartel, who he visited during a recent diplomatic trip to Jamaica where he met with political leaders and business magnates.

Shyne, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives, and the leader of the Belize United Democratic Party, shared a touching post, toasting the freedom of the ‘Teacha’
.
“To now see my musical brother free in the flesh after 13 years of bondage moved me to the core. We should all be inspired by the resilience of Vybz who never gave up on his freedom, never gave up on making great music beyond most of his counterparts,” he wrote.

READ: Kartel freed!

Shyne said that the “last time I saw Adi was 8 years ago September 2016 at the Horizon Correctional Facility in Kingston Jamaica”. He recalled the dire, depressing nature of Kartel’s incarceration.

“I visited him with my brother Michael Peyrefitte. It was a distressing experience to see a global musical icon in captivity. Having been wrongfully held in captivity myself I felt the pain of his suffering deeper than most,” Shyne said.

Shyne, known for his US recording career with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, was incarcerated after a club was shot up on the evening of December 27, 1999.

He had gone to a nightclub with his mentor/label boss Combs, and Combs’ then-girlfriend singer/actress Jennifer Lopez. An argument broke out in the club between Combs and another man, guns were drawn, shots fired, and three bystanders were injured. In June 2001, he was convicted of assault, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. His 2000 debut album was nevertheless a success, and he continued to record music while incarcerated – a similarity he shared with Vybz Kartel.

Shyne, who has had an impressive second act after he was released from prison in 2009 and deported to Belize, offered heartfelt advice to Kartel, who was released from prison on July 31, 2024 after his murder conviction was quashed due to jury-tampering.

“All of us, especially the youth should know the resilience of Adidja Palmer is within all of us. We should also learn that life will humble you, life will sit you still to teach you but once you draw near to the Creator and never give up life will vindicate you with the rewards you sacrificed for,” he intoned seriously in his lengthy post.

Shyne converted to Judaism – practicing Orthodox Judaism – while incarcerated and officially changed his name to Moses Michael Levi Barrow in 2006.

“Take your time brother Adi, be patient with yourself, move with humility, strategy and purpose. You have been resuscitated, given life anew, may you enjoy in good health, happiness and the greatest dancehall music you will ever make,” Shyne concluded.

Social media users reacted with fire and heart emojis.

Shyne’s visit to Jamaica included meetings with the Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and former Miss World-turned-Member of Parliament Lisa Hanna and billionaire investor Michael Lee Chin.

Shyne is best known for his 2000 singles Bad Boyz and Bonnie & Shyne, both songs featuring Barrington Levy.

– Claude Mills