Popcaan

Popular dancehall artiste, Popcaan has broken his silence, and has now sought to respond to a number of rumours and allegations.

In a recent interview, artiste Tommy Lee stated that Popcaan was not a member of Vybz Kartel's newly formed PG 13 label.

Responding to this and other rumours in a release, Popcaan, whose real name is André Sutherland, stated that rumours of him not being a member of the Gaza began circulating in September 2011.

"Rumours started as early as 2011 that I had left the Portmore Empire; this was not so. My actions in October 2011 were to seek booking representation, as this very important function was no longer viable for me with the incarceration of the head of my management and booking company. To date, I have no formal management or booking agreement and only since June 2012, with the dissolution of the Portmore Empire have I engaged the services of a lawyer to put these agreements in place," the release read.

Popcaan also addressed the issue of his not visiting the Gaza World boss since his incarceration. Popcaan said he made several inquiries to law enforcement officials about visitation, but to no avail. He also stated that Vybz Kartel himself advised against such communication.

"Vybz Kartel communicated through letters that I should focus on my career and stay away from the police. All our communication has been focused on updates on my career, my song releases and stage shows and general discussions as one would expect in the present situation. Up until May 2012, when the Portmore Empire was dissolved, we maintained a business relationship," Popcaan said.

He also pointed out that members of his family have been subjected to death threats, but that he will remain focused on his career and his music.

"I have never said and will never say I am not a part of Gaza. Gaza is my original home and foundation and I will always remain loyal to the Gaza," he said.

Since the release of Popcaan's statement, another member of the Gaza has released a statement counteracting Popcaan's words.

Gaza Slim, in her release to THE STAR, stated that the release put out by Popcaan "is nothing but lies in an attempt at keeping the support of Gaza fans, and by Gaza, I mean Kartel because he is Gaza".

Slim went on to say that although Kartel had invested his time and money into Popcaan's career, following his incarceration, Popcaan immediately sought bookings from elsewhere.

"When the boss was arrested he was held at a small jail where anyone could have visited. I know because I did. Popi didn't visit because a certain producer told him to 'stay far from Kartel, him nah see back road'. In his statement, Popcaan said that he and Kartel spoke through letters. I see the Boss in court regularly, so I know that's a lie," she said.

"Stop the lies. You and I know that World boss nuh want nothing from you cause dem man deh full a pride, an him pay all a we lawyer fee. The reverse psychology that you're using to try look decent, a Kartel teach you that. So don't try use it on his fans, because I was there when the white man asked you if you were going to visit Kartel and you said 'Why me haffi go?'," Gaza Slim's release said.

Popcaan