When asked about his most anticipated locations to perform after successfully regaining his freedom following a challenging 13-year prison sentence, Vybz Kartel enthusiastically replied, “The entire Caribbean and New York — that’s Jamaica outside of Jamaica!” This statement not only reflects his deep connection to his roots but also highlights the importance of these regions in his music career.
Since his release just eight months ago, the King of Dancehall has demonstrated an incredible work ethic and passion for music. To celebrate the arrival of the new year, Kartel headlined the monumental Freedom Street event on Dec. 31, 2024, which turned out to be Jamaica’s largest live music gathering in nearly half a century. This spectacular stadium-sized concert featured iconic dancehall artists like Skeng and Popcaan, alongside Kartel’s talented sons, Likkle Vybz and Likke Addi, both of whom are making their own marks in the music industry. Freedom Street served as the launchpad for Kartel’s ambitious global comeback tour, which subsequently included his appearance at the Grammy Awards in February, where he received his first-ever nomination for Best Reggae Album for his 2024 Party With Me EP. Furthermore, his performance at the U.K.’s MOBO Awards, where he was honored with the Impact Award, and the announcement of a set at the Wireless Festival in support of Drake’s three-night takeover at Finsbury Park, showcase his remarkable resurgence.
In 2025, every performance by the Worl’ Boss is undeniably significant, but he was serious when he referred to New York as “Jamaica outside of Jamaica.” On April 11, he kicked off two sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center — his first headlining concert in the U.S. in over two decades, organized by Reggae Fest. Brooklyn, known for its rich tapestry of first, second, and third-generation Caribbean-Americans, provided the perfect backdrop for Kartel’s triumphant return. For every Brooklyn neighborhood he praised, such as Flatbush, Canarsie, and Utica, he equally celebrated various Caribbean islands, including Grenada, Trinidad, St. Vincent, and of course, Jamaica. Although Kartel did not take the stage until shortly after 10 p.m. E.T., DJ Milan electrified the audience with over two hours of reggae and dancehall classics, spinning hits from legends like Buju Banton and Shenseea to Elephant Man and Teejay, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night.
Kartel made a spectacular return to the stage with his iconic remix of Akon’s “Locked Up.” “Look! 13 years inna prison, and mi come out a general!” he proudly proclaimed, confidently striding across the stage while basking in the ecstatic cheers from the 19,000 fans packed into the arena. His commanding presence and charisma resonated deeply with the audience, establishing a powerful connection as he opened the show.
Following his electrifying entrance, Worl’ Boss launched into a whirlwind performance of his most celebrated hits, including “Dumpa Truck,” “Benz Punany,” “It Bend Like Banana,” “You and Him Deh,” “Street Vybz,” “Come Breed Me,” and “Turn Up the F–k.” Despite currently managing Graves’ disease and a heart condition, Kartel exhibited remarkable stamina, strategically incorporating guest appearances to allow himself time to recuperate and maintain his energy level throughout the dynamic two-hour show.
Early in the evening, Kartel welcomed two former Portmore Empire members, Jah Vinci and Black Ryno, who both contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the concert. Black Ryno, in particular, displayed an abundance of energy, even stumbling while navigating the stage’s catwalk. The night was further enhanced by surprise appearances from Latin Grammy-nominated producer Rvssian, the Queen of Dancehall Spice, and rap legend Busta Rhymes, who effortlessly performed his full verse from “Look at Me Now.” Beyond Kartel’s remarkable stamina, the undeniable influence he wielded over the crowd was palpable. It was clear that if anyone in the audience took a moment to sit down during the engaging two-hour set, it was merely to catch their breath after an exhilarating dance. While Kartel’s catalog may not be filled with Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, the profound love and admiration from his fans were evident as they passionately rapped along to tracks that predate their very existence, signifying something extraordinarily special was unfolding in that moment.
To bring his electrifying set to a close, Kartel unleashed his most significant crossover hits, including “Summertime,” “Clarks,” “Fever,” and the iconic “Brooklyn Anthem.” This performance gifted Kings County with one of the most unforgettable nights of live music in the borough’s illustrious history, cementing his legacy as a true icon of the genre.
Here are the five most unforgettable moments from Vybz Kartel’s first headlining show in the U.S. in over two decades.
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The Legendary Rvssian Joins Kartel for ‘Straight Jeans & Fitted’
“Straight Jeans & Fitted” marked one of Kartel’s earliest crossover successes back in the late 2000s, making it particularly nostalgic to hear the dancehall icon perform this track on Friday night. The moment was elevated even further as Rvssian, the Billboard Hot 100-charting producer who created the riddim and featured on the song, graced the stage alongside Kartel, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.
Since his release, Kartel has been intentional about sharing the spotlight with the collaborators who played a pivotal role in his rise to the top of the dancehall scene, maintaining his presence as a dominant force throughout his incarceration. The chemistry between Rvssian and Kartel was palpable, as they commanded the stage with the ease of lifelong friends, their mutual respect and admiration shining brightly across the arena. Rvssian’s surprise appearance near the end of the night provided a final surge of energy and served as a reminder to always celebrate the talented individuals behind the scenes.
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‘Brooklyn Anthem’ Creates an Unforgettable Atmosphere
Brooklyn, also known as Kings County or the Thoroughest Borough, solidified its status as the ultimate NYC borough on Friday night, dispelling any doubts surrounding this claim.
Released in 2005, “Brooklyn Anthem” stands as one of the most iconic musical tributes to the borough, and Kartel’s electrifying rendition to close the show absolutely captivated the arena. Before launching into the track, he donned a Brooklyn Nets jersey — although he humorously put it on backward, delaying the start of the song. When he finally began to rap, “Diss man from Nineties/ Makaveli mek yuh know what ah hollowpoint is/ Bwoy neva mind him bomboclaat business/ Rev rev out yuh life like seven series,” the Barclays Center erupted in a frenzy.
The experience of hearing “Brooklyn Anthem” performed live in a Brooklyn venue, surrounded by fellow Caribbean fans proudly representing their heritage, is indescribable. It was a moment filled with pride and unity, likely the most patriotic anyone felt in that room for a long time. Many anticipated Kartel would conclude the night with a hit like “Clarks” or “Fever,” but Worl’ Boss understood the significance of the moment, prioritizing Brooklyn’s glory.
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Emotional Tribute to Teresa Palmer
Upon his release from prison, the first place Kartel visited was his mother’s home, where he shared an emotional reunion over a plate of steaming fish and okra. On Friday night, both Kartel’s mother, Teresa Palmer, and the tears returned for a particularly heartfelt moment as the concert neared its conclusion.
As the show progressed, Kartel invited his mother on stage and humbly knelt to perform a touching rendition of “Mama” just for her. The powerful hook — “Mama mama (my mummy)/ Mama, mama, mama, mama (a mi mother that)/ My madda (she loves me)/ My madda (me love her!) — resonated through the arena, as Teresa gently stroked her son’s head while he sang, showcasing an intimate moment of affection.
It is a rare occasion for fans to witness such an open display of love and humility from artists who have reached monumental heights and achieved near-mythical status, but Friday night’s audience experienced a genuine glimpse into Kartel’s heart.
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The King and Queen of Dancehall Unite
As the buzz surrounding potential surprise guests filled the arena (Popcaan? Drake? Cardi B?), one name consistently emerged: Spice. After all, how could the King of Dancehall deliver an authentic comeback performance without the presence of the Queen of Dancehall by his side?
Kartel clearly agreed, bringing out Spice — adorned in her signature all-blue hair and outfit — for a captivating medley of their biggest hits. The Grammy-nominated Queen of Dancehall treated the audience to a sizzling lap dance while they exchanged verses on “Romping Shop,” which marked both artists’ debut on the Billboard chart when it peaked at No. 76 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs in 2009. Soon after, Kartel requested a second throne be brought out for the Queen, although Spice only took a seat briefly to remove her shoes, ensuring she remained agile for the remainder of her performance. During spirited renditions of “Back Way” and “Conjugal Visit,” Spice showcased her impressive dance moves, executing leg lifts, splits, and a masterclass in twerking, all while challenging Worl’ Boss to match her energy. To his credit, Kartel rose to the occasion, humorously dropping behind her in slow motion to imitate a doggy-style position during “Visit.”
True to form, Kartel allowed Spice time to shine, as she led the crowd in passionate sing-alongs to her hits “So Mi Like It” and “Fight Over Man,” while also promoting her new single, “Eleven.” Barclays Center witnessed the King and Queen of Dancehall reclaiming their titles, demonstrating their undeniable chemistry, even amidst Kartel’s fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, being present.
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‘God Is Greatest’ Marks a Moment of Reflection
At the beginning of the year (Jan. 31), Kartel re-released his 2015 Viking (Vybz Is King) LP, featuring seven new tracks in celebration of the album’s 10-year anniversary. Among these new additions was “God Is the Greatest,” which provided the soundtrack for one of the evening’s most emotionally charged moments.
During his performance of the track, even Kartel’s stylish jet-black sunglasses could not conceal the tears that streamed down his face as he absorbed the warmth and love from the Brooklyn crowd, reminding him of the place he held dear. In that poignant moment, it became clear to Kartel that he was back on stage in one of his favorite cities. He briefly paused the music as his team members and protégés offered him comfort, before he powerfully finished the song, its heartfelt chorus resonating throughout the Barclays Center. Acknowledging the fragility of life, Kartel expressed gratitude for the new journey ahead, emphasizing that God has many more tomorrows in store for him.
“And the Lord is around us/ Him blessing surround us/ Mi nuh care who like mi, mi just a gwaan show love,” he and the audience sang together, creating a moment of unity and celebration.
