Vybz Kartel Sets UK Arena Records: “He’s Our Generation’s Michael Jackson”

After making history in the UK as the first dancehall artist to sell out London’s O2 Arena on back-to-back nights and Manchester’s Co-op Live, Vybz Kartel has redefined the standard of success. UK rapper Sneakbo hailed him as a generational artist, saying: “Greatest event ever, never seen anything like it in the UK. That was for the culture.”

Vybz Kartel, "The whole of the UK has been waiting for him" (Photo: Stony Johnson)

After spending 13 years behind bars, dancehall giant Vybz Kartel has returned to resurrect the genre at its highest peak. Over the past weekend through Wednesday, he continued his historic run with the Worl’ Boss Tour.

Kartel became the first dancehall artist ever to sell out London’s O2 Arena on back-to-back nights, each drawing 20,000 fans. He then went on to conquer Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, filling its 23,000 seats - the largest indoor venue in the UK - and once again etched his name in history as the first dancehall act to do so.

“The whole of the UK has been waiting for him. This is our generation’s Michael Jackson,” praised British rapper Sneakbo, who joined Kartel on stage for a cameo during his second O2 show. “Greatest event ever - never seen anything like it in the UK. That was for the culture. When he brings me out as a guest, I come off stage and think to myself… crazy, did that really just happen? That’s one of the best shows I’ve ever performed at. I’ve performed at the O2 before, but it’s never felt like that.”

Next, on September 19, Kartel is set to make history again in Birmingham as the first dancehall artist to headline BP Pulse LIVE, a 15,600 capacity arena. “When we go to party, Vybz Kartel is who makes us have a good time,” Sneakbo said, adding that the show will “easily sell out.”

Sneakbo, who also attended the Manchester spectacle, had previously appeared alongside Kartel during his massive Wireless Festival performance before 50,000 fans earlier in July. “Wireless was special because it was the first time performing with Vybz, the first time meeting him in person. The whole day didn’t feel real… grateful for the opportunity.”

As the Worl’ Boss Tour draws to a close, this is more than just a statement - it’s a generational moment. Kartel has completed a historic three-peat at Brooklyn’s iconic Barclays Center, made history in the UK’s largest arenas, and showcased a global impact not seen from a Jamaican artist since reggae legend Bob Marley. “As long as everyone is consistent and working together, dancehall will go mainstream,” Sneakbo noted.

Vybz Kartel, during his concert at the O2, "I've never seen anything like it in the UK." (Photo: Stony Johnson)

With a catalog of hits spanning over two decades, Vybz Kartel is more than a generational artist - he is a cultural force redefining dancehall on the world stage. “He can take his return journey everywhere. anywhere in Africa, Japan, all over the world. That’s why he’s the Worl’ Boss,” Sneakbo affirmed.