Vybz Kartel Returns To U.S. For Two-Night Reggae Fest At Barclays

Vybz Kartel‘s long-awaited return to the U.S. was nothing short of historic.

The “Worl Boss,” who was recently released after spending 13 years behind bars, took Brooklyn by storm with his Reggae Fest on Friday (April 11) and Saturday (April 12). His performances made history as the first Caribbean artist to sell out the Barclays Center two nights in a row—a monumental achievement in dancehall history.

Kartel’s shows were a seamless blend of classic hits, fan favorites, and new tracks, alongside special performances from Caribbean icons who’ve paved the way for today’s artists shaping the future of dancehall, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and beyond.

For the first time in 20 years, Kartel graced a U.S. stage, and the crowd’s energy was electric, eager to welcome him back with open arms. The air was thick with the haze of smoke, the waving of Jamaican flags, and vibrant Rasta colors-creating an atmosphere supercharged with love and anticipation from a sea of his devoted fans.

Night One: Friday

Kartel kicked off the show on Friday (April 11) with an explosive setlist featuring his timeless hits like “Fever,” “Clarks,” “Summertime” and “Rompin Shop,” seamlessly blending them with fresh new tracks like “God Is the Greatest.” As he commanded the stage, the crowd responded with uncontainable energy, proving that the icon’s legacy remains as strong as ever. Singing every song lyric-for-lyric, the audience clearly hadn’t missed a beat, even in his absence. But what truly made the night unforgettable was the series of surprise performances that followed.

Caribbean stars Jah Vinci, Black Ryno and Rvssian hit the stage, delivering timeless hits and collaborations that have shaped dancehall’s history and contributed to their deep-rooted connections with Kartel. And just when it seemed like the night couldn’t get any more packed with star power, Busta Rhymes and Spice both delivered electrifying sets, with Spice bringing the heat and sexual chemistry as only she and the King of dancehall can—reminding fans why she is the rightful queen of the sound.

Celebrities like Cardi B and Buju Banton were spotted in the audience, showing their support and adding to the excitement of the night.

To cap off the amazing first night, Kartel shared an emotinal moment with his mother, Teresa Palmer, on stage as he dropped to one knee and dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Mama” to her. Singing the song’s heartfelt hook: “Mama mama (my mummy) / Mama, mama, mama, mama (a mi mother that) / My madda (she loves me) / My madda (me love her),” Ms. Palmer lovingly caressed her son’s head, leaving the massive crowd nearly in tears.

“This was an emotional and amazing night—something I’ve dreamed of,” Kartel said after the first show. “I knew this show would be explosive. My New York fans have been waiting a long time, so being back felt like a full-circle moment. I had to pinch myself.”

Night Two: Saturday

The second night of Kartel’s historic U.S. return raised the stakes even higher. On Saturday (April 12), the Barclays Center was once again packed to the rafters, but this time, the star power on stage reached a whole new level.

Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Ghanaian sensation Moliy brought the heat, delivering a high energy performance of their viral hit “Shake It to the Max,” which sent the crowd into overdrive. But it was Spice who returned to turn the energy up again, recreating an iconic moment from her and Kartel’s past. Dressed in nothing but a towel, Spice serenaded Kartel as he laid back on a sofa—reimagining a classic blast from the past that had the entire arena going crazy.

The night continued with even more surprising cameos such as R&B star Ne-Yo, Hip-Hop icons Fabolous and Lil’ Kim, as well as a slew of reggae and dancehall heavyweights including YG Marley, Ishawna, Kranium, Chronic Law, Kraff, and hitmaker Rvssian, once again, graced the stage.

“This was a beautiful two nights in a city that means so much to me,” Kartel stated in a press release, reflecting on the monumental weekend. “I’m deeply grateful for my fans, everyone working behind the scenes, and the special guests who supported—on stage or off.” Reggae Fest CEO, CJ Milan, couldn’t have been more appreciative of the weekend’s success, adding, “This was such a historical weekend for dancehall and the culture. This is the first time there have been two back-to-back sold-out shows at Barclays Center for dancehall. I am blessed to be a part of the biggest show in dancehall history in the U.S. and happy for Vybz Kartel that he received his flowers from his community. To be part of that energy was amazing.”

Kartel’s two nights in Brooklyn proved that he didn’t just deliver a show for his eager fans, but ignited a cultural movement that served as a powerful reminder to the world that the power of dancehall is stronger than ever. For those who have yet to witness Vybz Kartel live, he’ll be making stops at the SummerJam Festival in Germany, the Wireless Festival in London alongside Drake, and a highly anticipated performance in Miami this May.

Check out images from both nights at the Barclays Center above.