Merital Family Speaks Up About Vybz Kartel

Merital Family was a Jamaican reggae and dancehall group that gained prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The group was associated with  dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and was signed to his record label, Adidjahiem Records.

The original members of Merital Family were Trovoy “Blackz” Keneale, Junior “Ricky Trooper” Fraser, and Jason McDermott. They were known for their energetic performances and catchy dancehall tracks. The group’s music often focused on themes like partying, dance, and relationships, which resonated with the dancehall audience.

In 2010, Merital Family gained significant attention with their hit single “My Money (Ha Ha),” which became a dancehall anthem and received extensive airplay in Jamaica and beyond. The song’s infectious rhythm and playful lyrics contributed to its popularity.

However, despite their initial success, Merital Family’s journey in the music industry faced challenges. In 2011, they left the Gaza following some controversy and  it was reported that McDermott  left the group to pursue a solo career, leaving the remaining members to continue as a duo. The group released additional tracks, but they did not reach the same level of commercial success as their earlier hits, released under Vybz Kartel’s Portmore Empire label.

Over time, the group’s prominence in the music scene waned, and there were no further major releases from Merital Family band. The members went on to pursue individual paths in music, with Blackz and Ricky Trooper occasionally releasing solo tracks.

As with many artists in the dynamic music industry, the trajectory of Merital Family’s career reflects the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a Jamaican dancehall group. One of the member died and another was arrested in the US.

Despite their relatively short-lived presence in the spotlight, their hit “My Money (Ha Ha)” remains a memorable track that continues to be enjoyed by dancehall fans.

After Vybz Kartel released 3 videos clips titled – Kartel Speaks His Mind, Jamaican reggae dancehall band Merital Family, from Montego Bay, released also 3 episodes of videos statements, dubbed – Merital Family Speaks Out, where they break down and explain their reasons for walking away from Kartel’s Portmore Empire.

Each of the band members share his point of view and remarks they joined the Empire for the music, they are from Mobay, they always been kind of independent from the Gaza thing, they are doing their thing, they don’t sweat nobody and they didn’t joined an army.

There are currently three videos of them talking about this matter and their future plans. Merital Family is one of the freshest thing inna Jamaica their music and songs are always fresh and different, super catchy.

Following some other members of Gaza Camp Merital Family talk on why they left Kartel’s Portmore Empire.

Jamaican Group Merital Family Speaks Out About Vybz Kartel and Why They Left The Gaza Camp