Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

With hours to go before the anticipated premiere of dancehall's first reality dating show 'Teacha's Pet' tonight at 10 p.m. on CVM, THE WEEKEND STAR sat down with 'di teacha' himself, Vybz Kartel, to talk to him about local tv's newest series. During the interview, Kartel speaks about the girls, if he will ever marry and other questions about the show. He was, however, unwilling to divulge too much instead referring readers to watch the series for answers to questions they may have about him and his 'students'.

Why did you want to do a reality dating series?

V.K: The reason why I did a reality dating series is because I can. I'm the worl' boss and if the worl' boss is looking for love, what better place to do it than 'to di worl'?

Where did the idea for the show come from?

V.K: The idea came from me wanting to find a mate and have the world watch the day-to-day activities in my quest to find a potential 'Mrs Palmer'. I approached Carleene Samuels and Jason Williams to see if they could bring my dream to reality and voila.

Has the girl already been chosen?

V.K: No

There are those that say 'most' entertainers overseas who have done shows like this, have done it when they were past their prime. So why have you decided to do it when your career is still 'active'?

V.K: Note you said 'most', and worl boss never does what "most" people do. I always bring something indigenous to whatever I'm doing and being the first Jamaican artiste to do this type of show makes me even more indigenous and makes my career even more 'active'.

How genuine is the competition? Is it all for show or did you get to form a connection with any of the girls?

VK: I have connected with a lot of the girls on the show and I hope to narrow it down to one "Mrs Right". The show is genuine and I must say that. The fact that it is being shown on TV doesn't take away from the sincerity of my actions.

Some girls entered from as far as Iran, were you surprised about the number of countries people responded from to be a 'teachas pet'?

V.K: Why would I be surprised? The worl boss sent out a request and di worl reply, simple mathematics dat.

What was the most outrageous thing that happened while filming?

V.K: The most? A lot of crazy, outrageous stuff happened but tell you what, just watch 'too hot fi TV'. We won't be hiding anything. If it was filmed, it will be shown.

Give us some info to whet people's appetite.

V.K: Well, I kissed a girl and I liked it (laughs)

Did any sexual activities take place with any of the contestants?

V.K: I'm not at liberty to say, but what I can say is this, a me dem call di worl' boss (laughs).

What will the winner of the show get? Will she be your official girlfriend?

V.K: She'll be my pet.

What does that mean?

V.K: It means what it says.

Do you have a steady woman in your life? And how did she feel about you doing this show?

V.K: If I have a steady woman in my life, why would I be on a public quest to find me a pet?

Do you see a future with any of the girls on the show?

V.K: I definitely see potential in a few girls, can't really say much, but yeah.

Will people outside of Jamaica be able to watch the show?

V.K: Yes they will. All they need to do is to go to www.teachaspet.com and follow the teacha's instruction.

Could there be a season two of 'Teacha's Pet'?

V.K: If I don't find what I'm looking for, definitely.

This show is one of many projects you've taken on of late, do you think the extra-curricular activities take away from your music and its quality?

V.K: No, because I am music, I don't do music. Music is in me and uses me as a conductor.

How important is finding love or that 'mate' as you call it, in your life? Is marriage something you envision for your future?

V.K: It is very important. It is fundamental and I definitely want to be married in the future.

That's a wrap for our interview with Vybz Kartel, check out Teacha's Pet tonight.