In a moment steeped in history, emotion, and high-energy performance, Vybz Kartel was officially crowned the “King of Dancehall” during Night One of Reggae Sumfest 2025, held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.
The coronation marked Kartel’s return to the Jamaican festival circuit, his first Sumfest performance since 2011, and only months after his 2024 release from prison following the overturning of his murder conviction.
A sold-out audience roared as the Worl’ Boss took the stage in the early hours of Saturday morning for a performance that fused gratitude, nostalgia, and undeniable star power.
Opening with MoBay Anthem, a tribute to the host city, Kartel delivered a tightly packed, hour-long set that included crowd favourites such as My Scheme, Send Fi Mi Army, and Love Dem, and closed on a spiritual note with God Is the Greatest.
Dressed in a black, green, and gold Jamaica jersey, signature sunglasses, and gleaming chains, Kartel’s entrance was commanding.
His coronation was equally symbolic. Seated on a regal white-and-gold throne, he was presented with two crowns each on a pillow before fellow dancehall icon Spice placed the chosen red velvet, jewel-encrusted headpiece atop his head.
“It’s a joy fi sit down yah suh inna mi owna country and the people a seh, ‘Worl’ Boss, yuh finally officially deserve it,’” Kartel told the crowd. “Big up yuhself.”
The moment was also a nod to the genre’s lineage. Kartel paid tribute to Bounty Killer, who played a key role in launching his career, and acknowledged veterans like Buju Banton, Ninja Man, and Beenie Man—who himself was crowned King of Dancehall at Sumfest in 2009.
“Big up to Beenie Man, the former king,” he added, in a gesture that drew cheers.
Sumfest has crowned other legends over the years, including Lady Saw (2012) and Spice (2022) as Queen of Dancehall. For Kartel, this coronation was, in his words, “just a formality.”
“I’ve been the king before I went to prison, and the record is there to show,” he said in a pre-show interview. “But what excites me is to perform for Jamaicans. One Jamaica. One dancehall. Never forget.”
Kartel’s next stops include Reggae Fest Baltimore on July 26 and a return to New York’s Barclays Centre for Reggae Fest Massive on August 29, continuing his global comeback tour.
The King is home — and the throne is no longer vacant.
