Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has confidently weighed in on whether he could surpass the gross tour earnings of reggae legend Buju Banton.
“Not if, it’s when, and yes, I will,” Kartel declared, when asked whether he believes he’ll secure a U.S. visa to embark on tour and surpass Buju Banton’s record-breaking ticket sales.
During an ER interview at the launch of his Freedom Street Concert, Kartel responded, saying, “Buju Banton is my inspiration. Even now, my name is still Adi Banton because, remember, Vybz Kartel was three of us. It was a trio. And in Vybz Kartel the group, I was Adi Banton. So he’s my mentor. And yes, I think I will top it. No disrespect to the G, but yes, come on. It’s Adi Teacha.”
The “Worl Boss” is set to embark on an extensive tour in 2025 and he said he has been approached by U.S. concert promoter Live Nation to headline major events, including the U.K.’s Wireless Festival and a show in Queens, New York. He confirmed growing international demand for his performances and hinted at possible appearances in Canada. Should the shows proceed, according to plan, this marks a significant step for his dancehall career.
Buju Banton’s The Overcomer Tour has become the highest-grossing solo reggae tour of the 21st century, achieving an average ticket price of $300 across seven U.S. and Canadian arenas according to the Caribbean Music Report 2024. Despite canceled shows in six cities, Buju completed nine capacity performances, including two sold-out nights to end his Long Walk To Freedom Tour at UBS Arena in Queens, New York. The tour concludes today November 17 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Notable milestones include Buju’s first Canadian headlining show in 15 years at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, where ticket prices reached a record-breaking $1,449. His performance earnings underscore the increasing demand for reggae and Jamaican artists worldwide, with premium suite tickets for his tours fetching up to $8,500.
In 2024, the popularity of reggae and dancehall artists soared, with global tours by Damian & Stephen Marley, Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, and Shenseea, among others. Buju led the top 10 ticket prices, followed by Damian and Stephen Marley ($100) and Beres Hammond ($100). The surge reflects the genre’s growing influence, especially among millennials in the US who prioritize live music experiences.
Kartel’s highly anticipated first concert since his release from prison, Freedom Street, is set for December 31 at Jamaica’s National Stadium. It will be his first career stadium event and first major live performance in over 13 years. He plans an elaborate 3-hour set reflecting his career evolution, with five wardrobe changes representing different eras and a unique round stage design—a first in Jamaica.
Special guests for the event include Spice, Popcaan, Tommy Lee, Gaza Hindu, Skillibeng, and others, with tickets ranging from US$150 to US$12,500. Kartel also revealed support from “Canadian stars” and “Female rappers, who welcomed him home.
