“All Hail the King of Dancehall!”: Spice Crowns Vybz Kartel at Reggae Sumfest 2025

The undisputed king of dancehall, Vybz Kartel, was officially crowned on Night One of Reggae Sumfest 2025 by his longtime collaborator, the queen of dancehall, Spice. Elated, he said: “Thank you, Jamaica... People, a unuh do it. God is the greatest.”

Vybz Kartel, the undisputed King of Dancehall, was officially crowned at Reggae Sumfest 2025 (photo: Jamar Cleary)

The undisputed King of Dancehall, Vybz Kartel, was officially crowned on Night One of Reggae Sumfest 2025 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.

Delivering his first live performance of the year in his home country, and his first Sumfest appearance in 14 years, Kartel thrilled the massive home crowd with a set packed full of his greatest hits. Then came the long-anticipated moment.

The Queen of Dancehall, Spice, took the stage and declared, “Mi deh a Europe and the king seh, ‘a you mi waan put the crown pon mi head.’” She continued, “On behalf of the music fraternity, the entire Jamaica, Joe Bogdanovich, Reggae Sumfest, and the world, we are here to crown the legend, Adidjah Azim Palmer. All hail the King of Dancehall!”

Spice, aka Kartel's work wife (Photo: Cavaughn Edwards)

Following the crowning, Kartel sat on a king’s chair and shared his gratitude as he addressed the roaring crowd. “Thank you, Jamaica. Big up the whole Downsound Entertainment, big up the queen—Spice, aka my work wife. And most of all, big up Father God, who make all things possible. God is the greatest.

“People, unuh do it. Unuh say ‘Addi di Teacha’—from Black Kartel, Bleach Face Kartel, Kartel a prison, Kartel a road, and Kartel now right in front unuh. Unuh do it. Nuff respect and nuff love,” he added.

Kartel also acknowledged the artist who held the title before him, saying, “I’m gonna be the bigger person. Big up to Beenie Man, the former king of dancehall.”

“This is a great historical moment, and we’re blessed to be here. People get excited sometimes and they do some things, but it’s all about love,” Downsound Entertainment boss Josef Bogdanovich said.