NEW YORK – It was the interview I’ve been wanting to do for almost three years and now it’s happened – an on-camera conversation with dancehall music superstar Vybz Kartel.

It is his first interview since his release and exclusive to Lisa Evers.

It is now clear that no matter how big the challenge, Vybz Kartel is probably ready and willing to face it – for himself, his family and his fans.

Vybz Kartel says: “Hey Lisa, what’s up?”

The voice of the world-famous Adidjah Palmer sounded the same. But his face was different, covered by a headscarf and dark sunglasses – similar to how he looked when he came out of the Tower Street Correctional Facility on July 31.

He spent nearly 13 years behind bars on a murder charge that was never proven and eventually dropped.

“Everything is going according to plan, you know what I mean, life is good,” says Kartel.

Superstars like Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Drake celebrated his release.

Less than a day after its release, he released a mixtape titled “First Week Out.”

The 12-track EP is already storming the charts, reaching number 1 on Apple Music in some countries and sparking talk of his return to the stage.

I asked him, “You have fans everywhere already asking when they’ll see stage shows and things like that.”

What’s next for Vybz Kartel

Kartel says: “I would say that in December they can be careful and save their money. You know what I mean? It’s going to be expensive, so they have to be ready to sell organs.”

The wit and humor with which he won the love of his fans is still unbroken.

While his devoted fiancée Sidem Ozturk wipes the sweat from his brow, we continue.

“You have been through a lot, you have kept the fight alive, you have stayed true to your goal, which is to prove your innocence and get out.

Do you plan to do more sociopolitical commentary now that you’re out?” I asked.

Vybz Kartel’s Health

Vybz Kartel responds: “Of course, remember that Vybz Kartel is that artist. But what I would say to fans is to be determined and never give up. What I would say from the bottom of my heart, Lisa, is that time is precious, don’t waste it. Spend as much time as you can with your loved ones because you never know when that time will be lost and you can never get it back. That’s the message of Adidjah Palmer.”

Above all, Kartel must regain his health. During his years behind bars, during which he was sometimes held in grueling conditions, his health deteriorated.

About eight years ago, he was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Graves’ disease, which can cause swelling and serious complications. According to his doctor, Dr. Karen Phillips, he also suffered from a heart condition.

In court documents, she said both could be better treated outside prison walls.

I asked Kartel, “Has Dr. Phillips given you a specific diet that you need to follow?”

“Not yet,” he replied. “I want to say hello to Dr. Phillips and Dr. Karen Phillips. Yes, I myself have met with Dr. Phillips, so we have to do another set of blood tests next week Tuesday, and that’s how we’ll go from there. That’s how we’ll fine-tune the medications and prescribe the diet,” he adds.

Kartel already has exercise equipment in his house and says it’s all about fitness and family now.

Vybz Kartel – Life after prison

He says one of the most important lessons he has learnt during lockdown is that you can’t get back time. No wonder his fans have nicknamed him “Teacher”.

“You, Lisa and I, for example, know that we work hard. Sometimes we just have to find time for family, friends and loved ones and put the same energy into it that we would put into our careers,” he said.

During his first week out, Kartel was welcomed home by his family and told me that he was delighted to meet his two grandchildren, who were born while he was in prison.

But don’t be fooled: his business acumen and marketing strategies are still effective.

Kartel says right now it’s all about fitness and family and making up for lost time.