Dancehall King Vybz Kartel is set to make his historic comeback to the U.S. stage with two massive shows in Brooklyn New York City’s Barclays Arena on April 11 and 12. Despite his incarceration, Kartel’s grip on the dancehall genre remains unshaken especially in major diaspora cities in the U.S.—proven by his massive streaming numbers across America over the past year surpassing 83 million according to World Music Views research using YouTube analytics.
As fans pour into the city from across the U.S. to witness what’s being called “The Return of the Worl’ Boss,” Kartel’s influence on dancehall and global music culture is more apparent than ever.
With data generated in the United States between April 6, 2024, and April 6, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing songs and cities where his music hits the hardest.
Top Vybz Kartel Songs in the U.S. (Apr 6, 2024 – Apr 6, 2025)
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Fever – 2.69M views
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The Comet – 2.25M views
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Any Weather – 2.00M views
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Unstoppable – 1.95M views
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Summer Time – 1.41M views
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Colouring This Life – 1.36M views
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M.O.T.M (Man of the Match) – 1.17M views
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Wine to the Top (feat. Wizkid) – 1.11M views
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Ignite the World – 1.09M views
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Yuh Love – 1.07M views
Top 10 U.S. Cities Streaming Vybz Kartel the Most
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New York – 21.1M views
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Miami – 3.47M views
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Philadelphia – 2.26M views
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Atlanta – 2.13M views
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Boston – 2.01M views
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Orlando – 1.77M views
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Baltimore – 1.21M views
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Tampa – 770K views
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Charlotte – 736K views
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Los Angeles – 715K views
New York City leads by far, racking up over 21 million views—nearly seven times the next city on the list. With such overwhelming support from the Tri-State area, it’s no surprise that the Gaza Boss chose the Empire State for his comeback.
A Cultural Phenomenon Reignited
His upcoming performance in New York at Reggae Fest is expected to blend state-of-the-art visuals, live DJ sets, and virtual projections to create a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
The event, produced by CJ Milan, marks the first time a solo dancehall artist headlines such a large-scale venue since Buju Banton.
Tickets for the show sold out within 45 minutes, with 12,000 purchased almost instantly—an unprecedented feat for a dancehall act according to Milan. Prices ranged from $85 to $1,700, but secondary markets have pushed prices past $3,000, underscoring Kartel’s superstar status.
Milan secured Kartel after months of persistence, eventually working through Skatta Burrell and TJ Records, and finally meeting Kartel post his 2024 prison release. The artist praised her ambition and awarded her the first U.S. show.
Kartel’s breakout hit “Fever,” certified Gold while he was incarcerated, is a symbol of his lasting impact. The show’s production is backed by a Live Nation partnership, but Milan independently funded the concert, emphasizing her commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for fans.
Stay locked to World Music Views for exclusive coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, and real-time updates from Vybz Kartel Live in New York at Reggae Fest April 11 and 12.
