Global reggae stars who released music from behind bars

Prison sentences have shadowed some of reggae's biggest names. This is the story of global reggae icons who served time, and how it defined their music and legacy.

Global reggae stars who released music from behind bars

Incarceration has ended many careers, but for some global reggae stars, it became a point of production.

Prison walls have served as the unlikely backdrop for the creation, release, and even celebration of some of music's most significant works.

From reggae icons to hip-hop legends, these artists proved that a prison sentence could not silence their musical output.

Jah Cure - Jamaica, imprisoned in Netherlands

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Magistrate Edward Too ruled that the allegations were defamatory and that Radio Africa, as well as the show host, had failed to exercise due diligence.

Jah Cure has served two separate prison sentences, both of which involve music.

Jah Cure

In October 2021, Jah Cure allegedly stabbed concert promoter Nicardo 'Papa' Blake conviction in Dam Square, Amsterdam reportedly over a payment dispute.

In March 2022, a Dutch court convicted him of attempted manslaughter and sentenced him to six years in prison.

However, both the prosecution and defence appealed.

In a 2025 retrial, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal overturned the 2022 verdict.

Citing threatening voice messages as proof of premeditation, the court upgraded his conviction to the more serious charge of attempted murder.

Consequently, his sentence was increased to eight years and four months.

This recent sentence is the second time Jah Cure has been imprisoned.

Reggae artist Jah Cure

His first conviction is, paradoxically, what launched his career.

In 1999, he was sentenced to 15 years in a Jamaican prison on charges of rape, robbery, and gun possession.

While incarcerated at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, he was granted access to recording equipment.

From his cell, he recorded and released three albums; 'Free Jah's Cure: The Album - The Truth (2000)', 'Ghetto Life (2003)' and 'Freedom Blues (2005)'.

He was released on parole in 2007 after serving eight years, having become one of reggae's biggest stars while imprisoned.

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Vybz Kartel - Jamaica

Dancehall singer Vybz Kartel

Kartel was arrested in 2011 for the murder of his associate, Clive 'Lizard' Williams.

In 2014, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

For over a decade, Kartel remained the 'King of Dancehall' by constantly releasing chart-toppers from behind bars.

This led to constant speculation about his recording methods., with theories ranging from him recording vocals on contraband mobile phones, which were then sent to producers, to allegations of collusion or preferential treatment by prison officials.

Vybz Kartel Courtesy Pinterest

He released hundreds of singles and several full-length projects.

His 2016 album, 'King of the Dancehall,' was released while he was incarcerated and became one of his most critically and commercially successful albums, debuting at number two on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

In March 2024, the UK's Privy Council, Jamaica's final court of appeal, overturned his conviction due to juror misconduct.

He was released from prison in July 2024.

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Despite these mixed reactions, Kartel's release has reignited interest in his music and career, and fans are eagerly awaiting his next moves.

Buju Banton

While Buju Banton did not begin his career from prison, his highest career honour arrived after he was incarcerated.

March 16 2019: Buju Banton appears on Long Walk to Freedom Concert, his first performance since being released from prison after 10 years

Banton was arrested in 2009 in the United States and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

He released his tenth album, 'Before the Dawn,' on September 28, 2010, while he was awaiting his trial.

In February 2011, Banton was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Just weeks after his conviction, on 13 February 2011, 'Before the Dawn' won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

Banton's son accepted the award on his behalf.