Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has set Kenyan social media alight after appearing in a viral video wearing a customized red jersey emblazoned with a Kenyan emblem.
In the clip, the Jamaican hitmaker delivers his verse on the remix of Ghanaian artiste Shatta Wale’s African Crown, sparking praise from Kenyan fans who celebrated the ‘Colouring This Life’ singer for repping the country.
This is not the first time Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, has expressed affection for Kenya.
During a TikTok Live earlier this year, he declared his readiness to perform in Nairobi: “Tell the promoters Kartel is ready to come home!” When pressed by a fan about a concert date, the Summertime singer simply replied, “2025.”
The appearance comes as the self-styled ‘World Boss’ embarks on his first international tour in more than two decades.
Dubbed the Worl’ Boss Tour, it follows his release from prison and marks a major comeback.
With over 25 stops across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean, Kartel has been playing to back-to-back sold-out shows.
Alongside the tour, the Play Boy Bunny singer rolled out a new merchandise line referencing iconic moments in his career, including the “Last Man Standing” T-shirt, a nod to his legendary 2008 clash with fellow Jamaican Mavado.
Kartel has continued to affirm his Kenyan connection, telling fans: “Big up Kenya man, remember I’m a Kenyan and a Jamaican. One Kenya, you hear that!” His words have only heightened anticipation for an official Nairobi date — though pulling him to the city may prove costly.
The God Is the Greatest artiste recently grabbed headlines for his staggering Sh193.8 million ($1.35 million) appearance fee at the One Caribbean Music Fest in Trinidad & Tobago.
That show ended in controversy when he pulled out, citing breach of contract, despite having already pocketed $1.1 million.
The fallout has prompted an official probe by Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Ministry.