It’s been one year since Vybz Kartel, the undisputed King of Dancehall, walked free after over a decade behind bars. His release on July 31, 2024, wasn’t just a legal victory—it was a cultural earthquake that reshaped Jamaica’s music scene, global perceptions of dancehall, and the future of Caribbean artistry.
Let’s break down the impact, the milestones, and what’s coming next for the Worl’ Boss.
Kartel’s first live performance in 14 years was nothing short of historic. Held on December 31, 2024, in Jamaica Kingston the National Stadium, the Freedom Street Concert drew over 35,000 fans and featured surprise appearances from Spice, Squash, Popcaan, Skillibeng, Tommy Lee Sparta, Chronic Law, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hyper, Sheba, Gaza Indu, Likkle Addi, Likkle Vybz, Busta Rhymes, Shatta Wale, Rvssian, Jah Vinci, Bounty Killer and Masicka.
Kartel’s setlist was a time capsule of dancehall greatness—Romping Shop, Fever, Clarks, and God Is the Greatest—but it was his closing words that resonated most:
“This is not just a concert; this is an evolution.”
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Kartel’s release reignited the soul of dancehall. Youth engagement surged, Gaza Nation reawakened, and his sons Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi continued the legacy with fresh fire.
https://images.app.goo.gl/bMGCvEZMwu3E9u6TA
His presence at Reggae Sumfest 2025 was a coronation. He was officially crowned the King of Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest 2025. The ceremony took place on Saturday, July 19th, at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. Spice and Sumfest Owner Joe Bogdanovich placed the crown on Kartel's head. The event was widely celebrated by fans and deemed a historical moment for dancehall music. The crowd chanted “Worl’ Boss” like a mantra, and his performance reminded everyone why he’s not just an artist—he’s a movement.
Politically, his release sparked renewed conversations around justice reform, artistic censorship, and the role of music in social commentary.
Global Reverberations
Kartel’s influence didn’t stop at the Caribbean shoreline. His Barclays Center shows in April 2025 sold out in minutes, so he had was to do a second the next day and his headlining slot at Wireless Festival UK alongside Cardi B and Burna Boy proved that dancehall is global currency. I can safely say before his release Afrobeat was dominating even in Jamaica.
Even Drake paid tribute, gifting Kartel a custom OVO diamond chain and calling him “the greatest living musician.” Words on the street is that twenty (20) private jet came into Jamaica from all over the World for the show.
https://images.app.goo.gl/aonUpt71V6HuRcUH6
Family & Sidem Öztürk
Throughout his incarceration, Kartel’s fiancée Sidem Öztürk, a Kurdish-British social worker, remained a pillar of support. Their reunion was emotional, culminating in plans for a late 2025 wedding.
Family Day at prison before his release saw Kartel reunited with his sons and grandson—a moment that symbolized healing and legacy.
Kartel’s post-release collaborations have been genre-defying:
Reggae: Honoring legends like Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, and Gregory Isaacs
Hip Hop: Working with Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Busta Rhymes
Afrobeats: Building bridges with Wizkid, Tems, and Shatta Wale
He’s become a vocal advocate for genre coexistence, saying:
“Every genre has its space. Dancehall is the heartbeat, but Afrobeats is the rhythm of the world.”
What’s Next for Kartel?
Despite ongoing health challenges—including Graves’ disease and heart complications—Kartel is focused on wellness and legacy-building.
Vybz Kartel has stated that he is now living in Florida, United States. He made this disclosure during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. He also stated he has no intention of returning to Jamaica to live. It should be noted that Bob Marley also had move to the USA at one stage of his career. Jimmy Clifff also came to mine and many other Jamaican artist trad the same road.
Upcoming Events:
Date
Location
Event Name
Aug 29, 2025
Brooklyn, NY
Reggae Fest Massive
Sep 4–5, 2025
London, UK
The Worl’ Boss Tour
Sep 10, 2025
Manchester, UK
The Worl’ Boss Tour
Sep 11–14
Malta
Freedom Street Europe Tour
Dec 2025
Accra, Ghana (tentative)
Accra Sports Stadium Concert
Kartel is also rumored to be working on a documentary, a new album, and a digital platform to mentor emerging Caribbean artists.
Final Thoughts
Vybz Kartel’s release wasn’t just a return—it was a rebirth. His voice, once confined to prison walls, now echoes across continents. From Kingston to Accra, Brooklyn to London, the Worl’ Boss is not just back—he’s building a future where dancehall leads the global conversation. He is talking about music that everyone can listen and enjoy. That tells me he will be toning down the explicit sex and other lyrics that are unpleasant to some people's ears. He also seems to have learned his lesson well as it relate to malice towards anyone. He stated in an interview that all his experiences have led to more doors open for him.
Please enjoy Gregory singing about OUT DEH {out there}. The song is about while he was incarcerated and how the prisoners were always talking about OUT DEH. He did another call IN DEH hope I find it soon I will post it..
