Cardi B summed it up best: “(I’ve) never seen it (Barclays Center) this packed.” And for good reason. On a night that felt more like a homecoming than a concert, Vybz Kartel made his long-awaited return to the Big Apple for night one of Reggae Fest Presents Vybz Kartel—marking his first New York stage appearance in over two decades. The result? A momentous performance that blended high-octane energy, emotional truth, and the timeless charisma that defines the King of Dancehall.
At 9:30 PM sharp, the night kicked off with MC Nuffy holding court, warming up the already electric crowd with a sequence of Dancehall anthems. Growing in his craft, Nuffy’s MCing this time was more than hype—he delivered historical context, setting the stage for what felt like a cultural milestone. And when Kartel finally stepped onto the stage, “Brookyn, them cyah stop this, one Worl’ Boss, The King is in mothef*cking town,” opening with his verse from Gun Session, then into Prison Life telling his own true story, “13 years in prison and come out as a General,” the crowd of 20,000 erupted in sheer disbelief and joy. Brooklyn hadn’t felt this alive since Jay-Z did the opening Barclays Concert in 2012.
For the first dozen songs, Kartel commanded the stage like a man making up for lost time. Not a lot of onstage movement, but every bar hit harder. Generations of fans in the U.S. waited years for this moment. But by the 20th track, his voice began to strain. He soldiered on through five more tracks, introducing Jah Vinci and Blak Ryno for a Gaza reunion, while slipping backstage for a quick wardrobe change—and maybe, a moment to gather himself.
When he returned, he faced the moment head-on. “Mi not used to the climate,” he apologized, addressing the vocal fatigue like a seasoned performer with nothing to hide and everything to give. Rather than disappointment, the crowd leaned in. They didn’t come for perfection. They came for Kartel and their cheers indicated that whatever he did they were willing to work with him.
Then came the queen. Spice joined him on stage, and what followed was pure magic. Their chemistry—equal parts playful, flirty, and electric—ignited the crowd all over again. They performed Romping Shop and Conjugal Visit before Spice dropped solo fire with her UK Silver-certified So Mi Like It. Their banter ended in a stage kiss and Kartel quipped, “You know why mi like Spice? She bring back mi voice.” And somehow, he meant it literally.
What happened next was the heart of the show. Kartel shifted gears and delivered God Is the Greatest, stripping away the recorded vocals and singing live, cold and all. “Tek off the riddim,” he instructed the DJ. Alone with the beat, and his fans, he poured his soul into the performance—tears streaming down his face in a moment that had grown men and women crying in the arena. God is The Greatest Kartel’s redemption song. Road manager Skatta Burrell and MC Nuffy rushed to console him, but the crowd held him up.
That performance alone would’ve made the night unforgettable. But Kartel wasn’t done.
He returned with Clarks, sending the arena into more frenzy before melting hearts again with Then You and Me from the album To Tanesha. Interracial followed, a sweet dedication to his fiancée Sidem, who made a surprise appearance onstage. Then came Mama, another standout moment as his mother entered on cue to thunderous applause. On bended knees, Kartel turned the concert into a family affair and a spiritual revival of dancehall. A King reclaiming his throne in every sense.
Cameos from Busta Rhymes and Rvssian added star power to the night, bridging generations and genres. With all the surprises, two decades of Kartel classics couldn’t fit into a single evening. Still, the show never dragged. As the night neared its close, Kartel gave Brooklyn one final surge of adrenaline: their anthem, played not once, but three times on encore. With every drop, the crowd roared louder—20,000 strong chanting in unison, “Real bad man deh a Brooklyn.”
Vybz Kartel may have left out a few hits, but he left nothing on the stage. Hoarse voice and all, he delivered a performance layered in defiance, gratitude, nostalgia, and love for fans. Anyone who ever doubted his stature, last night was the answer. Kartel is not just the most impactful artist in dancehall of the 21st century—he’s a cultural force who continues to defy odds, borders, and expectations.
Fade to black one night 1. Curtains down. The King is back… tonight for part 2.
