Vybz Kartel Defends “Arena Shella” Claims: “I Opened Up an Era for Dancehall”

Speaking on Papa Keith’s podcast, the Worl’ Boss addresses his recent claims, insisting his historic comeback opened a new era for Dancehall arena concerts: “The arenas have always been here, but nothing was happening.”

Vybz Kartel during his series of interviews at Miami’s 103.5 The Beat

Dancehall megastar Vybz Kartel recently reignited debate across the genre after declaring himself the “Arena Shella” in a series of Instagram posts, including one that read, “ARENA SHELLA. EVERYBODY ELSE A PLAY KETCHUP.”

Speaking on Papa Keith’s podcast on Miami’s 103.5 The Beat, the deejay addressed the ongoing debate surrounding arena concerts in Dancehall after the radio personality invited him to elaborate on his recent social media posts. “I’m not asking you to call any names, but I would like you to expound a little bit because I felt what you felt,” Papa Keith said.

“The issue is, you have to call a spade a spade when it is what it is. The arenas have always been here, the venues have always been here. Vybz Kartel has been offline for 13 years, nothing was happening. Vybz Kartel came out and opened up an era for Dancehall because it could never be for me alone,” Kartel explained.

The Worl’ Boss suggested that some of his fellow artistes have misunderstood his intentions, viewing his success as competition rather than an opportunity to expand the genre’s reach.

“And I just get it, they're looking at me as the opposite, like I’m taking something from them when I’m actually opening something for everyone,” he continued.

Kartel also stressed the importance of speaking openly rather than allowing others to shape the narrative.

Vybz Kartel says “I’m not taking anything from anyone”

“I just have to say my part. If you leave things unsaid, then people form their own opinions. Sometimes it can be dangerous, especially when you have people rooting for you.”

The Dancehall superstar went on to acknowledge the contributions of those who paved the way before him, while insisting that his own influence on the genre deserves recognition.

“I’m not taking anything from anyone. But we know Bob Marley made the way for us, Vybz Kartel came and did the same for Dancehall, Bounty Killer gave Kartel way. You can never change history. That’s why I’m putting the hashtag #RealityMatters.”

However, Kartel ended the discussion on a lighter note, admitting that some of his recent social media remarks were also intended to provoke reactions. “Plus, I’m trolling too. You know it’s Dancehall, come on,” he joked.