2025 Belongs to Vybz Kartel: Rewriting the Dancehall Rulebook

The "Worl' Boss" is back and bigger than ever, recording two historic nights at the Barclays Center, uniting dancehall, and pushing the genre to the forefront, including a groundbreaking live stream with popular streamer Kai Cenat. With Kartel rewriting the history books, it's only fitting that he once again earns our Artist of the Month

Vybz Kartel is rewriting the dancehall History (Photo: Nate Morris)

It was expected upon his release, but Vybz Kartel is not just back—he’s redefining what it means to take dancehall mainstream. From electrifying the Grammy stage in January to setting the MOBOs alight in London, 2025 has seen the Worl’ Boss shatter ceilings and elevate the genre to unprecedented heights.

In April, he made history once again, returning to New York for the first time in over two decades. Demand was sky-high, and Kartel delivered, selling out two back-to-back shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Over 20,000 fans flooded the venue each night, marking a milestone not just for Kartel but for dancehall itself.

The shows were more than just concerts—they were powerful moments of cultural unity. With emotional highlights like an on-stage appearance from his mother and a masterfully executed production led by CJ Milan, the promoter behind the Reggae Fest Tour, Kartel brought the dancehall world under one roof.

From the reunion with former Portmore Empire member Blak Ryno and a surprise FaceTime appearance from Popcaan to perform their iconic hit "Clarks", to high-energy sets by Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Moliy—who capitalized on the viral wave of "Shake It To The Max", the lineup delivered nonstop excitement. Unity in dancehall is rare, but Kartel made it happen, drawing not only thousands of fans but also music heavyweights like Cardi B, Stefflon Don, and Buju Banton to witness the spectacle.

He also revealed his new home in Florida—an opulent castle—before closing out the month with a show in Barbados as part of his Unstoppable World Tour. Kartel continued to dominate digital platforms, going viral for a historic live stream with popular streamer Kai Cenat, where he surprised viewers by bringing on Spice and Ishawna—adding yet another epic moment to his remarkable journey.

Looking ahead, Kartel is set to perform at Florida’s Amerant Bank Arena on May 17 and Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on June 6. With over 70,000 fans reportedly lining up for tickets, he has also been announced as a headliner for Reggae Sumfest later this summer.

2025 belongs to Vybz Kartel. It’s his comeback year—solidifying his global presence and rewriting the dancehall rulebook. For the second time this year, he rightfully earns our Artist of the Month title.