The King of Dancehall made an unforgettable return to the stage, shutting down New York City with a powerhouse concert at the iconic Barclays Center. Vybz Kartel, popularly known as the “World Boss,” delivered a series of electrifying performances that packed the Brooklyn venue to capacity—an impressive feat rarely seen at the arena.
Kartel’s return marked a major moment in dancehall history, as he reclaimed his throne following thirteen years of incarceration.
Upon his release, the “Summertime” hitmaker promised to tour the Caribbean and New York City. “The entire Caribbean and New York — that’s Jamaica outside of Jamaica!” he declared at the time.
Staying true to his word, Kartel kicked off the first of two sold-out shows on April 11, 2025—his first headlining U.S. concert in over 20 years. Organized by Reggae Fest, the event was perfectly staged in Brooklyn, home to a large Caribbean-American community spanning multiple generations.
Taking the stage triumphantly, Adidja Palmer—better known as Vybz Kartel—opened with his legendary remix of “Locked Up” featuring Akon. Comparing his release to the track’s theme, he shouted, “Look! Thirteen years inna prison, and mi come out a general!”
The 19,000-capacity arena erupted with cheers as fans welcomed the return of the World Boss.
He launched into a medley of hits, including “Dumpa Truck,” “Benz Punany,” “It Bend Like Banana,” “You and Him Deh,” “Street Vybz,” and “Come Breed Me.”
Despite battling Graves’ disease and heart complications, Kartel balanced his set with surprise guest appearances. He brought out former Portmore Empire members Jah Vinci and Black Ryno, whose energy lit up the crowd.
Latin Grammy-nominated producer Rvssian, the Queen of Dancehall Spice, and rap icon Busta Rhymes—who flawlessly performed his verse from “Look at Me Now”—also graced the stage.
Kartel closed his set with fan-favorite anthems “Summertime,” “Clarks,” “Fever,” and “Brooklyn Anthem,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The event wasn’t just packed with fans—it was a celebrity affair. Rap superstar Cardi B summed up the experience, saying, “I have never seen the Barclays Center so packed.” She was seen enjoying the show alongside friends, capturing the vibe on video.
Reality TV star and rapper Safaree Samuels also shared moments from the concert on his Instagram stories, clearly having the time of his life.