Gaza vs Gully Rivalry Heads to Historic Freedom Street Staging in Malta

The defining clash between Vybz Kartel and Mavado takes center stage in Europe for the first time under Kartel’s Freedom Street Festival from September 11–13, promising two giants on the same stage

Vybz Kartel brings Gaza vs Gully rivalry to Europe

The clash of dancehall titans is officially heading to Europe for the first time ever. Under his own Freedom Street Europe banner, Vybz Kartel is set to bring the long-standing Gaza vs. Gully rivalry to the stage in Malta from September 11–13, promising two days of historic moments.

The legendary rivalry between Vybz Kartel and Mavado helped define a generation of dancehall fans, becoming one of the most defining rivalries in dancehall history. Now, the two icons are set to share one stage, reigniting a cultural moment that shaped an era.

“Freedom Street Europe 2026. 18 years in the making… The clash that defined a generation,” the official Freedom Street Europe account teased on Thursday, instantly creating massive buzz online, before the official announcement was made on Sunday.

More artists are expected to be announced, following last year’s inaugural Freedom Street staging in Malta, which was a huge success and drew over 25,000 fans from around the world. Sources indicate that the Gaza vs. Gully clash will take center stage not only in Malta, but in additional cities later this year.

Last year, 17 years after their iconic 2008 Sting clash, the two joined forces on DJ Khaled’s dancehall anthem “You Remind Me,” alongside Buju Banton and Bounty Killer.

Kartel has also announced a May 30 concert at Camana Bay in the Cayman Islands, where he will headline the Out of This World Music Festival.

The European staging follows his historic 2025 run, where he sold out major venues worldwide, including Barclays Center and the O2 Arena. Now, the dancehall icon gears up for another global chapter.