While fans and family of convicted dancehall artiste Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer anxiously await his sentencing fate, there is still a glimmer of hope as Justice Lennox Campbell is looking into options that would allow the deejay to record while behind bars.

Campbell made the pronouncement yesterday in the Home Circuit Court following the one-week postponement of the deejay's sentencing date.

The judge stated that he wanted to find out if the prison had rules governing persons with artistic talents such as Vybz Kartel and Shawn Storm to continue to promote their music.

He also wanted to ascertain if it was open to the court to make recommendations that proceeds from their music be turned over to the estate of Clive 'Lizard' Williams.

recording equipment

If Kartel and Shawn Storm are given permission, they would not be the first artistes to record behind bars.

Siccaturie 'Jah Cure' Alcock, who was prosecuted in 1999 on charges of rape, robbery and gun possession, had access to recording equipment while incarcerated. Jah Cure recorded at least four songs including the chart topping singles Reflections and Longing For, before being released in 2007.

ehabilitation offering

Jah Cure's musical selections were done via the recording studio at the Tower Street Adult Correctional centre, which forms part of the institution's rehabilitation offering.

Though speculation had been rife that the self proclaimed 'World Boss' had been recording music while he awaited trial, these allegations were vehemently denied by the deejay's producers and management team.

Jamaican artistes aren't the only ones capitalising on rehabilitation offerings while behind bars. American rappers Gucci Mane, Shyne, Tony Yayo and Cassidy are just a few of the artistes who have released recordings while locked up.

Kartel, Shawn Storm, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were found guilty of the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. The sentencing will take place on April 3.

davina.henry@gleanerjm.com