From First Week Out to Global Dominance: Vybz Kartel’s Monumental Year

12 months. Sold-out arenas, MOBO and Sumfest accolades, U.S. relocation, and a comeback that reshaped dancehall forever. A closer look at Vybz Kartel’s undeniable year, captured frame by frame in a story worthy of a Netflix movie

An unforgettable photo of Vybz Kartel walking toward his freedom

A year ago, on July 31, 2024, the dancehall and global music world received a shockwave as breaking news spread that Vybz Kartel had been released from prison after 13 years, officially becoming a free man. One year later, it remains a history-defining moment in dancehall.

Over the past year, his return has sent shockwaves through the industry—serving as both a wake-up call and a reminder of his undeniable global impact. From sold-out shows to crowning milestones, Kartel’s presence has reignited dancehall’s flame on the world stage. We dive into a closer look, month by month, at the key moments that have shaped this historic year.

July 31, 2024: Released following the Jamaican Court of Appeal’s decision to quash his conviction, originally overturned in March 2024 due to juror misconduct. That same night, Kartel dropped a surprise 12-track project titled “First Week Out.”

Kartel's wife Sidem Ozturk (L) walking beside the Deejaay on release day

August – November 2024: Kartel spent the following months recovering and rebuilding both his personal and professional life. This period saw the launch of his Strt Vybz Rum brand, several public appearances, and meaningful reconnections with fans on the streets. He also delivered powerful interviews reflecting on his prison ordeal and battle with Graves’ disease. During this time, he announced his first post-release performance—the highly anticipated Freedom Street concert, set for New Year’s Eve at Jamaica’s National Stadium—an event that generated massive buzz both locally and internationally.

Vybz Kartel with his manager, TJ from TJ Records, on the day of his release

December 2024: New Year’s Eve was an unforgettable day in Kingston. From fans flying into Jamaica to hours-long traffic jams, the anticipation was electric. Rumors of international superstar arrivals only added to the buzz, all before Vybz Kartel even stepped on stage for his first live performance since his release on Freedom Street Concert. With a three-hour set, a lineup of surprise guests, and over 35,000 fans packed into the National Stadium, it marked a historic milestone in dancehall history.

Vybz Kartel during his unforgettable return at the Freedom Street concert. (Photo: Jamar Cleary)

January 2025: Vybz Kartel celebrated the 10th anniversary of his Viking album with the release of Viking: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, featuring seven new tracks, including one of his current hits, “God Is The Greatest.” Shortly after, he obtained his U.S. visa, just in time to attend the Grammy Awards for the first time, where he was nominated for Best Reggae Album for his EP, “Party With Me.”

February 2025: Following the Grammys, and as rumors swirled about his relocation to the United States, Kartel was honored with the Impact Award at the MOBO Awards in Newcastle on February 18, recognizing his global cultural influence and pioneering role in dancehall. He performed a brief medley during the ceremony alongside Spice, and later that month, delivered his first show since Freedom Street, performing in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Kartel was recognized for his global cultural influence with the MOBO Impact Award

March – April 2025: In an interview on The Breakfast Club around April 11, Kartel confirmed that he now resides in Florida, describing it as a strategic hub that allows him to travel easily to New York, Europe, and Los Angeles, while also offering greater personal security and flexibility. He also stated that he had no immediate plans to return to Jamaica.

On April 11–12, he made his official U.S. comeback after more than 20 years, with two historic sold-out shows in Brooklyn, New York, performing to a combined crowd of over 40,000 fans—making him the first dancehall artist to achieve such a feat.

Sold out Barclays 2 times with the third date coming (Photo: Jamar Morris)

May – June 2025: The 49-year-old icon officially announced his Worl’ Boss Summer 2025 Tour, with dates across the Caribbean, United States, Europe, and Jamaica.

He sold out Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida on May 17, Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on June 6, followed by a packed performance at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and closed out the month by gracing the stage at the St. Kitts Music Festival. He then headed to Europe for the first time in over 15 years, continuing his global comeback.

July 2025: He kicked off the European leg of his tour, returning to Summerjam in Germany for the first time in over 20 years. He then went on to sell out iconic venues such as the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam (17,000 capacity) and became the first dancehall artist to sell out the legendary Accor Arena in Paris, marking one of his most impressive and defining performances since the tour began.

The momentum didn’t stop there. Kartel played a key role in transforming Drake’s third night as headliner at Wireless Festival into an all-out dancehall celebration, putting Jamaica back on the global map. In front of 50,000 fans, Drake paid tribute to the King of Dancehall, who was joined by Popcaan, Spice, and Masicka for a powerful afternoon that elevated dancehall to the pinnacle of mainstream music.

On July 18, at Reggae Sumfest 2025 in Montego Bay, Vybz Kartel was officially crowned the newest King of Dancehall, performing as the headline act. The crowning ceremony was led by festival organizers and industry peers, including Spice, who declared: “We are here to crown the legend, Adidjah Azim Palmer. All hail the King of Dancehall!”

Before the month ended, Kartel sold out his sixth U.S. venue of the year at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, launched his official merch collection, and shortly after, announced another upcoming show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, set for August 28.

Vybz Kartel crowned as the King of Dancehall during Reggae Sumfest 2025 (Photo: Jamar Cleary)

With his unimaginable charisma and cultural impact, both Jamaica and the global music scene are witnessing something rare—a movement on a level not seen since Bob Marley. Even those who won’t admit it can’t deny that Vybz Kartel’s influence has reached unprecedented heights for a Jamaican artist in the modern era. It’s the kind of story that feels worthy of a Netflix movie or series.