Gaza Slim’s Redemption Song

April 3, 2014 was a melancholy day for dancehall fans, when Justice Lenoxx Campbell made his ruling in the murder case of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Adidja Palmer aka Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life, with the possibility of parole after 35 years. In this case, no body was ever found and the case was decided mostly on text message evidence from telephones seized from the accused. Attorneys Christian Tavares-Finson and his father Tom Tavares-Finson, both lawyers who defended the dancehall artist, are already working on an appeal. Vybz Kartel associates Shawn Campbell aka Shawn Storm and Kahira Jones also received life sentences with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Shane Williams, another associate was acquitted on all charges in this murder case but charged for another murder case. Vanessa Saddler aka Gaza Slim, Vybz Kartel’s protégé was charged with a lesser charge, obstruction of justice, for filing a false incident report about being robbed at knife-point by Clive “Lizard” Williams, just five days after Kartel was charged with murder, in an effort to pervert justice. As Kartel fans gathered outside of the Jamaican Supreme Court for the 58-day trial, Gaza Slim showed her presence and undying love for the World Boss.  More After The Jump…

Vybz Kartel Introduces Gaza Slim at Reggae Sumfest 2011

Like Bonnie to her Clyde, there was an unwavering loyalty and commitment to her mentor, boss and friend, Vybz Kartel to the bitter end of the trial. Although she was freed on bail, while his trial continued, she would often visit the courthouse in hopes of catching a glimpse of the World Boss. Now that bars separate her from this most influential person in her life, her new music reflects reliance on God.

In an interview conducted by Winford Williams for OnStage TV on Sunday, May 18, 2014 she spoke about dropping the Gaza Slim moniker for her original moniker, Vanessa Bling that contains her given name and reflects the feminine side of her personality. She also shared clips of the video to to her new song entitled “Mercy On Me Lord” which she wrote and produced on her independent label, VB records. Some may question whether Vanessa seeks public sympathy before the beginning of her trial this August, however in this interview, she presented herself as genuinely trying to move forward.

After watching the interview, renowned dancehall artist, Mr. Vegas wrote an open letter to Vanessa and his fans on Facebook:

“I remember sitting down with this artist when she was 16yrs old.
I heard her talent and really wanted to be her mentor but that didn’t work out. In the Onstage TV Interview, I was touched by her sincere message to the Almighty. People might be judge, jury and executioner but I am not the one to judge her. I can only pray for her, as I see her as a little sister that is traveling life’s road. Sometimes we hit the curves and get out of control, but it is important to regroup and continue on your journey. Vanessa, if you should read this, just know that you have my support and that voice is gonna save lots of souls. God is gonna use you in ways, you could never imagine! Stay firm! God got your case!” —Mr. Vegas

In life, complex situations arise but how a person handles these trials and tribulations may predict the rest of their life script. When a woman can walk forward alone through adversity, she finds the greatest path to her strength. In Vanessa Bling’s redemption song, “Mercy On Me Lord,” she cries out for mercy and sings with supplication for one more chance.

Mercy! Run that…

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