Vybz Kartel arrives in Montego Bay ahead of Sumfest coronation
It was a homecoming fit for a king as Vybz Kartel touched down on home soil ahead of his highly anticipated crowning at Reggae Sumfest on Festival Night One.
The entertainer, who has been touring the world for months, landed in Jamaica on Thursday as preparations for Friday’s grand coronation reached fever pitch. Kartel, who last graced the Reggae Sumfest stage in 2011, will officially be crowned King of the Dancehall before what is expected to be a sold-out crowd.
This will be no ordinary performance; it will be a regal affair. Marking his first appearance in Jamaica since his triumphant Freedom Street concert in December, the moment carries deep meaning for both the artiste and his fans.
Speaking at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Vybz Kartel shared his excitement about returning to the Jamaican stage.
“I’ve been the king from before I went to prison, and the record is there to show. So that (the crowning) is good and fine. But for me, what really is exciting [is] for me is to perform for Jamaicans. One Jamaica, one dancehall. Never forget,” the entertainer said.
Since his release from prison almost a year ago, Kartel has been igniting stages both locally and internationally. Following his blockbuster comeback at the National Stadium in Kingston, which drew over 30,000 fans, he headlined back-to-back sold-out shows at the Barclays Center in New York. With follow-up performances in Miami and London, Kartel has reaffirmed his place at the pinnacle of dancehall’s global reach.
In London, he joined Drake on stage for the Toronto rapper's historic performance at the 2025 Wireless Festival. It was Kartel's first performance in the UK in 20 years.