Vybz Kartel Returns to the U.S.A Stage After 20 Years
Spending 13 long years behind bars, Vybz Kartel is making up for lost time. He is doing it with unmachable swagger and magnetism that earned him the title “King of Dancehall” in the first place. On Friday, April 11, the Jamaican icon delivered a fiery, sold-out performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The show became his first headlining concert in the U.S. in over two decades.
When asked where he most looked forward to performing after his release, Vybz Kartel didn’t hesitate: “The entire Caribbean and New York — that’s Jamaica outside of Jamaica.” The sentiment rang loud and clear in Brooklyn, where a sea of fans of Caribbean descent gathered to see his return.
Since regaining his freedom just eight months ago, Vybz Kartel has been relentless. He ushered in 2025 with Freedom Street, a historic New Year’s Eve concert in Jamaica billed. This happened to be the island’s largest live music event in nearly 50 years. That stadium-sized spectacle featured a roll call of dancehall royalty, including Skeng, Popcaan, and Kartel’s own sons—Likkle Vybz and Likke Addi.
From there, the Worl’ Boss rolled through a string of high-profile appearances, including a spotlight at the Grammy Awards. Also, a performance at the U.K.’s MOBO Awards. Plus, there is an upcoming slot at London’s Wireless Festival during Drake’s three-night headlining run.
Still, few venues could match the symbolic weight of his Barclays Center return—a homecoming of sorts in the heart of Caribbean-American Brooklyn. The night was produced by Reggae Fest. Their impeccable curation helped set the tone well before Kartel’s entrance. DJ Milan held court with a two-hour warm-up set, cycling through dancehall and reggae classics by the likes of Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Shenseea, raised anticipation.
Vybz Kartel hit the stage shortly after 10 p.m. He opened with an explosive rendition of his famed remix to Akon’s “Locked Up.” “Look! Thirteen years inna prison, and mi come out a general!” he roared, drawing deafening cheers from the 19,000 people. It was a moment thick with emotion, energy, and unshakable charisma.
What followed was a high-octane barrage of Kartel’s most beloved hits. He tore through “Dumpa Truck,” “Benz Punany,” “It Bend Like Banana,” “Street Vybz,” “You and Him Deh,” and “Turn Up the F–k,” among others. Despite battling Graves’ disease and a heart condition, Kartel navigated the night with impressive poise and strategy. He also paced himself through cameos and guest performances that added flavor to the set.
