In Kingston, tension grows as Vybz Kartel’s concert event approaches

Fervor at its height after 13 years of waiting. Here in Kingston, Jamaica, the historic Vybz Kartel concert is the big event of the year, if not the decade.

Spectators from all over the world did not hesitate to come and honor the journey of the man who became a living legend of dancehall. Among all these “foreigners”, Guyana is well and truly represented with the presence of local singer Ken Vybz, notably seen with the Jamaican big name Popcaan a few days ago.

Klmahty, a young Guyanese dancer, very active on social networks, gave himself the means to be there with a group of friends. For him, it was the place to be on December 31st.

In addition, stars known around the world also made the trip for the occasion, like the rapper Busta Rhymes who took the stage of Uptown Mondays, a cult evening of dancehall culture known throughout the world. The singer loudly affirmed his support for Vybz Kartel and Jamaica.

In the Jamaican capital, preparations are well underway and the greatest vigilance is required. Thus, the Vybz Kartel concert will cause considerable road traffic in the same way as the other New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31.

The city will therefore be in full swing and security arrangements have been made. For example, it will be impossible to park near the concert venue for at least 1 kilometer around, according to Down Sound Production which organizes the concert.

Hundreds of street vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs are expected around the stadium, continuing a long-standing tradition. In addition to the spectators, we will also have to count on a large external audience coming to experience this very special energy.

If Vybz Kartel’s concert is so anticipated, it is because the artist was acquitted and released from prison last July. As a reminder, he was serving a life sentence with 4 co-defendants – including singer Shawn Storm – for complicity in murder. Its release was hoped for by its fans around the world and this expectation was notably materialized by the expression “Free Up The World Boss” (understand “Release the World Boss”. “World Boss” is one of Kartel’s many nicknames).

With this first concert, at home in Jamaica, Adidja Palmer plays an important role. Indeed, his incarceration has left its mark since the artist’s state of health has since been impacted by thyroid problems. Since his release where he appeared with a marked physique, Vybz Kartel seems to be taking care of himself and preparing accordingly to perform what is already announced as the concert of his life.

The “World Boss” no longer really needs to be presented as his impact and musical legacy are so significant. Vybz Kartel is known for being a prolific singer who has put his voice on several hundred riddims (instrumental basis in raggae-dancehall, Editor’s note)..several times per riddim sometimes! He was nominated last month, for the first time in his career, for the Grammy Awards in the “Best Reggae Album of the Year” category for “Party With Me.”

Thanks to his influence, his label Portmore Empire, his ability to ride trends and his muscular collaborations Vybz Kartel has brought in his wake artists such as Popcaan, Spice, Shensea in particular.

After this concert, two other dates have already been announced in the Bahamas and Barbados for the coming year 2025. There is no doubt that this meeting is also a test which will determine what Vybz Kartel has kept of his qualities as a “show man” and what can now be expected of him. Some 35,000 people are expected this Tuesday, December 31 to witness this historic moment.