Jamaican dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is set to perform at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center this weekend, marking his first concert in the United States after serving a decade in prison for a murder conviction he continues to deny. This highly anticipated event follows a 24-year hiatus from performing in the U.S., and for many fans in New York City—particularly young adults of West Indian descent—his music has been a significant part of their lives, though most have never had the chance to see him live.
Fans like Tee Smith have eagerly awaited this moment, stating, “If anybody went to college in the 2000s, they know that Vybz Kartel was very important.” She expressed her excitement by noting that she paid $300 for a ticket to the Saturday performance, a price comparable to what she spent to see Beyoncé in concert.
Born Adidja Azim Palmer, Vybz Kartel began his music career as a teenager and gained fame in the U.S. around 2003 with his album Up 2 Di Time. His 2009 hit “Ramping Shop,” featuring dancehall artist Spice, even made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2013 when he was arrested and subsequently sentenced to life in prison after a lengthy trial for murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
In 2022, a London court overturned his conviction, citing issues with a juror who was accused of attempting to bribe other jurors. Despite spending over a decade behind bars, Kartel remained prolific, releasing music throughout his incarceration. His 2016 hit “Fever” became his biggest success to date, and he continued to record using a smartphone from prison. His pre-release album Party With Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Reggae Album earlier this year.
As Kartel prepares for his return to the stage, some fans have expressed mixed feelings. Marlon Brown, a performer known as DJ Club Killa, remarked that the explicit and sometimes violent nature of dancehall lyrics has made him less enthusiastic about the genre, especially compared to Kartel’s earlier work. He noted that while he once would have eagerly paid for a ticket, his perspective has shifted with age.
Kartel’s physical appearance has also changed during his time in prison. He was diagnosed with Graves disease, which has caused visible swelling and other health issues, leading some fans to wonder if he can still perform with the same energy as before. Nonetheless, excitement remains high, and ticket sales for the concerts have been strong enough for organizers to add an additional date.
Local businesses are also preparing for the influx of fans. Godfrey Lewis, who owns a popular brunch spot among the Caribbean community in Brooklyn, is hosting parties in honor of Kartel’s return, expecting a surge of West Indian fans to celebrate the event.
As Vybz Kartel takes the stage once again, his return represents not just a personal milestone but a cultural moment for many who have followed his journey over the years. The weekend promises to be a significant celebration of dancehall music and the enduring legacy of one of its most prominent figures.
