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Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has returned to Jamaica amid great fanfare, just ahead of his much-anticipated coronation as King of Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest on Friday night.

The artiste touched down at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on Thursday, marking his first appearance on Jamaican soil since his Freedom Street concert last December. The event also marks his return to the Sumfest stage after more than a decade.

The entertainer, who has been touring the world for months, is here as preparations commence for Friday's grand coronation on the Sumfest stage infront of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd.

The moment carries deep meaning for both the artiste and his fans.

Speaking at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Vybz Kartel shared his excitement about returning to a Jamaican stage.

"I've been the King from before I went to prison and the record is there to show. So that's (the crowning) is good and fine but for me, what really is exciting for me is to perform for Jamaicans. One Jamaica, one dancehall. Never forget," the entertainer said.

Since his release from prison almost a year ago, Kartel has been igniting stages both locally and internationally. Following his blockbuster comeback at the National Stadium in Kingston, which drew over 30,000 fans, he headlined back-to-back sold-out shows at the Barclays Center in New York. With follow-up performances in Miami and London, Kartel has reaffirmed his place at the pinnacle of dancehall's global reach.

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