Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel (real name Adidja Palmer) is set to marry his fiancée Sidem Öztürk in early 2025. Initially, the couple planned to tie the knot on January 7, 2025, but they later decided to postpone it to February to ensure that both families could attend. While the exact date and location of the ceremony remain undisclosed, the event is expected to be a significant milestone in the artist’s personal life.
Who is Sidem Öztürk?
Sidem Öztürk is a Turkish national and former psychology student who developed a deep connection with Vybz Kartel while he was incarcerated. Reports suggest that she moved to Jamaica to be closer to him, showcasing her unwavering dedication to their relationship. In various interviews, Öztürk has described their bond as strong and unbreakable, emphasizing how their love has endured despite Kartel’s imprisonment.
Their relationship reportedly began around 2015, and over the years, Öztürk has been a pillar of support for Kartel, regularly visiting him in prison. Their love story gained public attention when it was revealed that Kartel proposed to her in the summer of 2022 during an authorized visit.
A Look at Vybz Kartel’s Past Marriage
Before his relationship with Öztürk, Vybz Kartel was married to Stacy Elliott in 2006. However, their union did not last long, as they separated within a few years. Reports suggest that their marriage ended due to personal differences, with Kartel’s lifestyle and career playing a role in the breakup.
Kartel was also in a long-term relationship with Tanesha “Shorty” Johnson, the mother of three of his children. While they were never legally married, Shorty was a central figure in his life for many years, and their relationship was well-documented in Kartel’s music.
Wedding Plans Amid Legal Challenges
Vybz Kartel has been serving a life sentence since 2014 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. However, in a significant legal twist, his case is currently under review by the United Kingdom’s Privy Council, which is Jamaica’s highest court of appeal. If his conviction is overturned, Kartel could be released sooner than expected, which would dramatically alter the circumstances surrounding his upcoming wedding.
Despite being behind bars, Kartel remains optimistic about the future. His legal team and supporters believe that a favorable ruling from the Privy Council could lead to his freedom in 2025, allowing him to celebrate his marriage outside of prison.
What to Expect from the Wedding
Although details about the wedding remain private, fans speculate that it will be a highly exclusive event, possibly attended by close family members, a few dancehall associates, and legal representatives. Given Kartel’s status as a cultural icon, there is also speculation that the wedding could be documented in some way, whether through photos, videos, or even music inspired by the occasion.
Kartel has always been a master of spectacle, and his wedding will likely reflect his bold and unapologetic personality. Whether it happens behind bars or as a free man, this wedding will be one of the most talked-about events in dancehall history.