I’ve stopped bleaching, smoking and drinking – Vybz Kartel

Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel says he has turned a new page in life, revealing that he has stopped bleaching his skin, smoking, and drinking as he focuses on self-love, family, and a healthier future.

Speaking in a recent interview with American radio host Ebro Darden on Hot 97, the entertainer opened up about his past decisions and his new outlook on life. He explained that his choice to bleach his skin years ago was linked to self-love issues, though he didn’t realize it at the time.

“I told myself I was doing it to show off my tattoos,” Kartel shared. “But looking back, it was deeper than that. As a Black man, sometimes we struggle with self-love. I would never bleach again, though. I’m fully melanated now.”

The dancehall legend, who is now out of prison after 13 years, is set to headline his first major U.S. concert in over two decades this weekend at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York.

As part of his fresh start, Kartel also revealed that he has cut back on alcohol and smoking and is focusing on building a future with his fiancée, Turkish beauty Sidem Öztürk.

“I’ve been through a lot. I used drinking and smoking to cope, but I’ve changed,” he said.

“Now, I want a family. I want some Turkish children.”

Interestingly, Kartel and Sidem met in a very modern way , on Instagram. He was scrolling through comments on one of his posts when he noticed her consistent support. At the time, he was dealing with issues with his baby mama.

“She was looking for me too, but there were so many fake pages. She eventually found me through my ex’s account,” he explained.

Their love story has blossomed since, and Kartel revealed they plan to marry this year. “She’s with my mom at the hotel now. We’re definitely getting married,” he smiled.

Kartel also shared that he is still managing Graves Disease, a condition that affects his eyes and causes weight loss and sweating. But despite health struggles and years behind bars, the artiste is focused on healing, love, and making music.