‘Crown already mine’ - Kartel says he’s been king for more than a decade

July 18, 2025
Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel: ‘Being crowned officially king of dancehall, that’s nice and everything, I’ve been the king before I went to prison, and the record is ... there to show.’
Vybz Kartel: ‘Being crowned officially king of dancehall, that’s nice and everything, I’ve been the king before I went to prison, and the record is ... there to show.’
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Dancehall titan Vybz Kartel says his highly publicised King of Dancehall coronation at Reggae Sumfest this Friday is simply a formality.

At the same time, the Gaza boss is promising that his performance will be nothing short of historic.

"The homecoming performance, that's what means the most to me," he said.

"Being crowned officially king of dancehall, that's nice and everything, I've been the king before I went to prison, and the record is ... there to show. That's good and fine, but for me, what really is exciting for me is to perform for Jamaicans," he declared.

With a career spanning over two decades and a catalogue of hits that have shaped and reshaped the genre, Vybz Kartel's claim to the throne is hard to dispute. From Summertime to Fever to Royalty and Clarks, his influence on the culture, the sound, and the swagger of dancehall has remained undeniable -- even while being locked up in prison.

"After 14 years, we come to deliver for the people, like they have never seen before," Vybz Kartel said.

The prolific hitmaker leads a powerhouse line-up of dancehall heavyweights set to light up the stage this Friday night. Joining him are crowd favourites Masicka, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skeng, Govana, Jamal, D'Yani, and Shaneil Muir.

Joe Bogdanovich, owner of DownSound Records, promoter of Reggae Sumfest, told THE WEEKEND STAR that Friday's crowning of Vybz Kartel "will be a special moment for dancehall". He said Spice, the reigning Queen of the Dancehall, will be the one to crown Vybz Kartel.

Bogdanovich said the Worl' Boss is the undisputed king of the genre.

"He has transcended into the hip-hop world. They love him wherever he goes. He is selling out big stadiums in the United States and Europe," Bogdanovich said.

For Vybz Kartel, his focus is on delivering a performance for the record books.

"The only emotions running through my mind right now are anxiety and anticipation," he admitted.

"Vybz Kartel wants to attack that stage. The people waiting for him, the energy is right, the atmosphere is right, the alcohol is right, and the mood is right."

Known as the greatest reggae show on earth, Reggae Sumfest has long been the pinnacle of live Jamaican music experiences. And according to Vybz Kartel, the festival has only grown in stature and importance.

"Reggae Sumfest is definitely the pioneer in Jamaican culture, especially as it relates to live concerts," he said.

The Worl' Boss saluted DownSound for its role in promoting Jamaican culture, saying that since the Bogdanovich-led entity took over the festival, there has been a deliberate effort to make the festival indigenous, putting more local talent on the front line.

"They're doing an amazing job," he said of Reggae Sumfest.

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