Vybz Kartel is Returning to NYC After 16 Years: ‘Real bad man deh ah Brooklyn’
Image Credit: Jamar Cleary
Sixteen years. That’s how long it’s been since the World Boss, Gaza Don, Di Teacha, better known as Vybz Kartel, shelled down a stage performance in New York City.
Image Credit: Reggae Fest
That all changes on Friday, April 11. Kartel is set to make his long-awaited return to the Big Apple, marking his first performance in the U.S. since his highly publicized release from jail on July 31, 2024. The dancehall icon spent 13 years behind bars before securing his freedom, and his release sent shockwaves through the music world. Being incarcerated stopped nothing for Kartel musically. Some of his hits, like “Fever” were created behind bars. Kartel maintained his dominance, dropping hit after hit, proving why he remains the most influential dancehall artist globally. For years, fans eagerly awaited this moment.
The announcement of his New York comeback has ignited a frenzy, with Brooklyn, of course, being the chosen stage for this soon-to-be historic night. And not just anywhere in Brooklyn, he chose Flatbush, to be exact. Siri, queue "Brooklyn Anthem" by Vybz Kartel! It’s only fitting; Brooklyn is a melting pot of Caribbean culture, where even non-Caribbean residents know the vibes. Big up di Flatbush posse. If you know, you know. Flatbush is literally Little Caribbean.
The ticket demand was insane! Fans flooded Ticketmaster, with over 13,000 people in the queue, some waiting hours just to secure a spot even logged in while they were on the clock. The ticket mayhem and the prices were compared to Beyoncé’s tour ticket sales. Early access codes allowed some lucky fans to grab tickets in the $250-$400 range, but premium seats skyrocketed to a staggering $1,600. The demand was so overwhelming that Reggae Fest had to add a second concert date to accommodate the overwhelming demand.
Social media went wild. The start of March belonged to Kartel, filled with memes, videos and hilarious reactions to the concert, especially the ticket prices. TikToks flooded timelines with people quoting Kartel’s famous video clip: “Here I was, all this time, thinking they were Bill Gates, when they’re not even Bill Fence.” Even in real life, the jokes were flying—I overheard a Jamaican woman at the gym say “They need to put his *** back in jail for these ticket prices.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. Kartel’s impact is undeniable.
Image Credits: @jon.._..snow (left), @dopelikeblaze (right)
Still, there are skeptics. Some have asked, “Who does this man think he is?” The answer? Exactly who he knows he is. As a Jamaican, I’ve grown up with his music shaping moments with family and friends. He’s not just an artist; he’s a movement, hence #GazaNation. Anyone who has seen Gaza vs Gully battles back in the days between Vybz Kartel and Mavado’s musical beef, knows. From his razor-sharp lyricism to mentoring fellow Jamaican artists like Popcaan and Spice, his influence is unmatched. His intelligence and charisma shine in recent interviews and every interview from the newest ones with The Cut, all the way back to interviews in 2009 and beyond with HypeTV Jamaica. Simply put, Kartel is that guy. If I hadn’t already seen him live at Freedom Street in Jamaica last December, you better believe I’d be on Ticketmaster with 50 screens up like a Twitch streamer to get my spot. This concert will be legendary.
So, what about you? Are you #GazaNation, proudly clutching your golden ticket, or are you standing with Bill Fence, not tuned in? Let us know!