U.S. concert promoter Live Nation has approached dancehall icon Vybz Kartel to headline major events in both the U.S. and the U.K.
Kartel shared that he has received offers from multiple promoters across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., highlighting strong demand for his performances in international markets.
“As a matter of fact Live Nation, which is the Wireless Festival one of the biggest festivals in the world, I am doing it next year in the United Kingdom, we are supposed to do Queens in America and maybe Canada, I am not sure about the Canada a hundred percent.”
In 2024, Reggae artists, particularly those with reinstated U.S. visas like Buju Banton and Sizzla, were in high demand with rising ticket prices. Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom and Overcomer Tour sold out 9 shows in total with two back to back New York’s UBS Arena events. Shenseea filled theaters with her Never Gets Late Here Tour in the U.S. and Canada.
In his third quarter report, Live Nation’s President, Michael Rapino, noted strong global demand across genres and venues, with fans paying for experiences at various price points, including high-demand reggae shows where tickets have ranged from $85 to $1,500. With revenue up by 7% to over $6 billion, Live Nation is benefiting from strategic investments in venues and hospitality, expecting double-digit growth for 2024 and beyond.
Vybz Kartel’s first concert since being released form prison will Freedom Street be on December 31 at Jamaica’s National Stadium. It will be his first time headlining a stadium event after 20 years at the top of the dancehall.
In an exclusive interview with World Music Views, Kartel detailed his plans for a 3-hour set that will cover his musical evolution, from his early days as “The Teacher” to his current status as “World Boss.”
“People, you are going to be in for a treat,” Kartel shared, hinting at a showcase of different eras, including his legendary clash days with Mavado and “the prison Kartel” hits that have yet to be performed live. Kartel reflected on the significance of this moment, saying, “People now remember seh me have a catalogue from 2011 to 2024 when nobody never see me perform yet… Just think about it.”
The event will feature five wardrobe changes, each symbolizing a chapter in his career. “Inna me Karl Kani—the Black Kartel section—me haffi inna me jersey,” he explained, adding that fans can expect everything from “war” songs in camouflage attire to a special set for the ladies featuring his biggest “gyal songs” like “Fever.”
Kartel also teased a unique round stage design, noting, “I don’t think that ever happened in Jamaica.” With fans eagerly anticipating the event, tier two tickets are on sale, priced from $150 to $12,500.
He revealed at a press conference on Wednesday that Spice, Skillibeng, his children as well as “Canadian rappers” and “female rappers” will be live at the event. Upon his released Drake and Cardi B sent welcome home messages to the King Of The Dancehall.
