Vybz Kartel made his triumphant return on a historic night, delivering an unforgettable evening filled with surprises, dazzling costumes, moments of growth, and a tantalizing promise of more to come
Vybz Kartel reunites with Bounty Killer after over 15 years (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
Donning a suit and tie, Vybz Kartel made history as the headliner of Freedom Street, delivering a performance that was both unforgettable and monumental. Kicking off the show with selections from his illustrious catalog, the night soared to new heights as he brought out several collaborators to amplify the energy and excitement.
He performed "Virginity" alongside Gaza Indu and "Champion Bubbler" with Lisa Hyper. A special segment with Spice electrified the audience as the pair delivered their iconic hits "Romping Shop" and "Conjugal Visit." The queen of dancehall sent the crowd into a frenzy when she unleashed a fiery remix of Kartel’s single, "The Comet."
At midnight, they paused to welcome the New Year in style, leading the audience in an a cappella rendition of the national anthem—a moment that showcased true nationalism and was met with thunderous cheers.
As the night progressed, more former members of the Portmore Empire took to the stage. Shawn Storm delivered a powerful performance of his hit single "My Life," captivating the audience, while Jah Vinci followed with a brief but impactful set. Select selectors kept the vibes alive, giving Kartel a moment to recharge.
Switching up his style and keeping the energy fresh, Kartel later emerged in a New York Knicks jersey, adding a bold twist to his performance. He brought a touch of hip-hop flair to the stage and welcomed Busta Rhymes, who thrilled the crowd with some of his iconic hits.
With time running short and many artists eager to perform, Kartel introduced his sons, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi. Likkle Vybz performed his recent hit "Man of the Match," while Likkle Addi also made an appearance with his collab with his daddy 'Lemonade".
Rvssian made a guest appearance for some hits (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
Artistes like Ishawna and Ghanaian star Shatta Wale further heightened the night’s excitement. Skillibeng followed with a short but fiery set, while new generation talents such as Jamal, Eddy G captivated the audience.
As the show continued, Kartel brought his former protégé, Popcaan, to the stage to perform some of their iconic collaborations including "Clarks". The Law Boss, Chronic Law, joined Popcaan to deliver their hit "St. Thomas Native" and others like "Weekend."
Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer reunite aftrer 15 years (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
Kartel welcomed his mentor, dancehall icon Bounty Killer, to the stage, where the veteran showered his protégé with heartfelt compliments. Bounty delivered a brief yet impactful set, performing hits like "Nuh Friend Fish" and "Eagle and Di Hawk." In a surprising moment, Kartel gave a shoutout to his longtime nemesis Mavado, delivering a short acappella rendition of the Gully Gad's hit "Real McKoy."
As the clock ticked down, Tommy Lee Sparta, another former member of the Portmore Empire, made a surprise appearance. He brought Skeng on stage, and together they performed their massive hit "Protocol." Jah Vinci later returned for a nostalgic Empire reunion, delivering excerpts from classics like "We Never Fear Dem," "Murder Informa," and more.
It was an unforgettable night for Kartel, leaving fans eagerly anticipating even more from the dancehall icon.
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