Dancehall heavyweight Vybz Kartel attended one of his children’s graduations for the first time this week, a bittersweet moment after years of incarceration robbed him of witnessing many of their biggest moments growing up.
The entertainer became passionate as he reflected on watching his daughter Adi’Anna Palmer graduate from Hillel Academy, admitting that the experience moved him to tears.
“I had to find a corner last night (Tuesday night) and shed a tear, but it was tears of joy. Because, funny enough, I’ve never been to any one of my children’s graduations. When I came out, they were grown,” he said. “I got to go to her graduation [and] it was amazing. My princess looked so beautiful, and I’m proud of her. Big up all a the parents weh put in the work and stand behind their kids.”
The touching revelation resonated with fans, many of whom flooded social media with messages of congratulations for both father and daughter.
Vybz Kartel spent more than 13 years behind bars before walking free in July 2024 after the Privy Council overturned his murder conviction and local prosecutors opted against a retrial. During that period, several of his children transitioned from childhood to adulthood.
Now embracing a family-centred chapter of his life, the deejay has frequently shared glimpses of time spent with his children and loved ones. According to the entertainer, Adi’Anna’s hard work earned her a well-deserved celebration after the ceremony.
“She and her friends got to celebrate after. It’s a milestone, she put in the work, and she get the reward, so I know she’ll be great,” he said.
The proud father could not hide his admiration for his daughter, adding in a video posted to social media: “She’s amazing, but then again she’s my child.” Adi’Anna was also showered with gifts to mark the achievement, including a Cartier piece, candles and multiple bouquets made of cash.
While fans celebrated the graduate’s accomplishment, many also acknowledged the emotional significance of the moment for Vybz Kartel, who was finally able to take his place among proud parents at a graduation ceremony to witness a chapter of his child’s life.
On March 23, college consulting agency CollegeQuo and Hillel Academy announced that Adi’Anna received a presidential scholarship to attend the University of Miami to study biology on the pre-med track. During her time in school, she served as co-president of Hillel’s Angels of Love, a student-led philanthropic club at the institution, and was a prefect and form captain.
