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When asked about his most anticipated performance location after a lengthy 13 years of incarceration, Vybz Kartel enthusiastically remarked, “The entire Caribbean and New York — that’s Jamaica outside of Jamaica!”
Since his release eight months ago, the King of Dancehall has been on a relentless streak, starting with Freedom Street on December 31, 2024—Jamaica’s largest live music gathering in nearly five decades. This monumental event featured notable dancehall figures, including Skeng and Popcaan, alongside Kartel’s sons, Likkle Vybz and Likke Addi, both following in their father’s musical footsteps. The Freedom Street concert kicked off a worldwide comeback tour for Kartel, which saw him performing at the Grammy Awards in February, where he received his first nomination for Best Reggae Album for the 2024 Party With Me EP, and also appeared at the MOBO Awards in the U.K., where he was honored with the Impact Award. Additionally, he announced a performance at Wireless Festival in support of Drake‘s three-night event at Finsbury Park.
In 2025, each performance from the Worl’ Boss holds significance, especially as he referred to New York as “Jamaica outside of Jamaica.” On April 11, Kartel started off with a sold-out concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, marking his first headlining performance in the U.S. in over 20 years, organized by Reggae Fest. Brooklyn, home to many first, second, and third-generation Caribbean-Americans, provided the ideal backdrop for Kartel’s return. He acknowledged various neighborhoods in Brooklyn—such as Flatbush, Canarsie, and Utica—while also highlighting many Caribbean islands like Grenada, Trinidad, St. Vincent, and, of course, Jamaica. After a two-hour set of reggae and dancehall classics from DJ Milan, who energized the audience with hits from artists like Buju Banton and Shenseea, Kartel finally took to the stage just after 10 p.m. ET.
His show kicked off with a dynamic performance of his iconic remix of Akon‘s “Locked Up.” “Look! 13 years inna prison, and mi come out a general!” he declared confidently, soaking in the ecstatic reactions from the 19,000 attendees.
Kartel continued with an impressive lineup of hits, delivering tracks like “Dumpa Truck,” “Benz Punany,” “It Bend Like Banana,” “You and Him Deh,” “Street Vybz,” “Come Breed Me,” and “Turn Up the F–k.” Given his ongoing health challenges, including Graves’ disease and a heart condition, Kartel strategically included several surprise guests in his set, allowing him time to recuperate while still keeping the audience engaged.
During the performance, Kartel welcomed back two former members of his Portmore Empire, Jah Vinci and Black Ryno, elevating the show’s energy. Black Ryno’s exuberance even led to a tumble down the stage’s catwalk, showcasing the high spirits of the night. The stage also saw appearances from producer Rvssian, Queen of Dancehall Spice, and rap icon Busta Rhymes, who impressed the crowd by flawlessly rapping his verse from “Look at Me Now.” Despite not having numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits, Kartel’s devoted fans showcased extraordinary enthusiasm, rapping along to songs that predated many of them, marking a significant connection between the artist and his audience.
To cap off his performance, Kartel delivered renditions of his most popular tracks, including “Summertime,” “Clarks,” “Fever,” and “Brooklyn Anthem,” ultimately etching a remarkable experience in the memories of Brooklyn attendees.
Here are the five standout moments from Vybz Kartel’s first headlining show in the U.S. in over two decades.
Rvssian Hits the Stage for ‘Straight Jeans & Fitted’
“Straight Jeans & Fitted,” a nostalgic favorite from Kartel’s earlier career in the late 2000s, was a standout moment during the night. To amplify the excitement, Rvssian, the producer behind the track, joined Kartel on stage, which added to the night’s emotional resonance.
Since his release, Kartel has prioritized involving collaborators who have contributed to his success over the years. Rvssian and Kartel displayed a brotherly bond as they took over the stage, injecting an invigorating energy into the performance, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging the talents behind the music.
‘Brooklyn Anthem’ Shuts Down BK
Brooklyn—known for its vibrant culture—asserted its identity during Kartel’s performance on Friday night.
“Brooklyn Anthem,” a tribute released in 2005, remains a quintessential love letter to the borough, and Kartel’s closing performance of it resonated powerfully with the crowd. Before diving into the track, he donned a Brooklyn Nets jersey—ironically putting it on backward before finally getting it right. As he rapped the lyrics referencing the borough, the energy in Barclays Center reached a fever pitch.
Experiencing “Brooklyn Anthem” amidst a sea of enthusiastic Caribbeans in Brooklyn was a uniquely patriotic moment for many in attendance. While some may have anticipated classic hits like “Clarks” or “Fever” to close the show, Kartel astutely recognized the significance of the moment for his Brooklyn audience.
Teresa Palmer Receives Special Spotlight
Kartel’s first stop after his release was his mother’s home, where they shared a heartfelt reunion. On Friday night, that emotional connection resurfaced as his mother, Teresa Palmer, joined him on stage.
Near the end of the concert, he took a knee to dedicate a heartfelt rendition of “Mama” to her. With the lyrics echoing throughout the venue, Teresa lovingly caressed his head, showcasing a profoundly intimate moment that often remains hidden in the public persona of artists who achieve great success.
The King Holds Space for the Queen
Amidst speculation about surprise guests, one name stood out: Spice. It seemed only fitting that the King of Dancehall would welcome the Queen for his significant comeback show.
Kartel brought Spice to the stage, where she electrified the audience in her signature blue attire for a medley of hits. The two shared a playful dynamic as they performed “Romping Shop,” an early collaboration that marked both of their chart debuts. Spice even playfully challenged Kartel to keep up with her high-energy performance, engaging the crowd further with her dynamic set.
Kartel generously allowed Spice the spotlight to showcase her own hits, leading to a powerful crowd sing-along of songs like “So Mi Like It” and “Fight Over Man.” The energy and chemistry between the King and Queen reminded everyone why they hold their reign in the dancehall scene.
‘God Is Greatest’ Soundtracks a Moment of Gratitude
Kartel celebrated the tenth anniversary of his 2015 album Viking (Vybz Is King) with a reissue that included seven new songs, among them “God Is the Greatest,” a track that became a highlight of the evening.
As he performed the song, the emotional weight of the moment settled in. Even behind his sunglasses, it was evident that Kartel was moved as he experienced the warmth of Brooklyn’s reception. He paused the music momentarily to embrace support from his crew before finishing the song powerfully, leaving an indelible impression on the audience. His heartfelt message resonated deeply, reflecting both gratitude for the present and hope for the future.
“And the Lord is around us/ Him blessing surround us/ Mi nuh care who like mi, mi just a gwaan show love,” he sang passionately with the crowd, solidifying the unity and spirit of the night.
Source
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