Vybz Kartel is set to perform in the United States for the first time in over twenty years.
The “Fever” hitmaker got his U.S. visa reinstated in January, paving the way for his return to the States for the first time in two decades. Not only did he set foot on U.S. soil, but he also attended the Grammy Awards for the first time in his career after landing his first solo Grammy nomination.
Vybz Kartel fans in the U.S. will now have a chance to see him perform live for the first time since 2004. The Worl’Boss was among a slew of dancehall artists whose U.S. visas were revoked in 2005 due to their issues with gay rights groups. The Portmore deejay then spent 13 years in prison, voiding any chance of him performing overseas during that time. The wait is now over for him and his fans.
The show’s announcement was made on Friday via the Barclays Center’s official X account. “JUST ANNOUNCED: Vybz Kartel comes to Brooklyn on April 11!” the promo flyers reads in bold letters. “Reggae Fest: The Return Of Worl Boss Vybz Kartel.”
Tickets pre-sale begins on Tuesday (March 4) at 10 a.m., and regular ticketing sales start on March 6. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the Reggae Fest official website.
Some fans who watched his first post-prison concert in Kingston on New Year’s Eve questioned whether or not Vybz Kartel will bring anything new to the stage. “Do you think Vybz Kartel will bring anything new to the stage for this comeback, or will he stay true to his roots and deliver a classic performance?” one fan asked. Still, some fans express delight at the opportunity to see the legend performed live at an iconic venue like the Barclays Center. “I’m paying whatever it cost this is a chance of a lifetime I will be there World boss forever,” one fan said.
The full lineup for the festival is not yet available, but Vybz Kartel is the main man. The dancehall star was released from prison in July last year, and since then, he has successfully mounted a massive comeback in dancehall.
