Freedom St Concert: Vybz Kartel offers family event, Black Friday deal

Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has assured fans that his Freedom Street Concert, scheduled for New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, will be a family-friendly event highlighting his musical journey. This highly anticipated concert will mark Kartel’s first performance since his recent release from a decade of incarceration.

At the media launch Wednesday in New Kingston, Kartel announced that former members of the Gaza crew, including Sheba, Tommy Lee, and Popcaan, will join him on stage. He also mentioned that artistes he has collaborated with throughout his career, including long-time friend Busta Rhymes, will make appearances, along with other Canadian rappers.

“It’s a family thing, remember it’s on New Year’s Eve,” Kartel told the crowd. “At the Freedom Street Concert, we’re gonna have prayers and people of faith blessing the crowd, the ‘union,’ and us as we step into 2025.” His fiancée Sidem Öztürk, sons, and mother will also be in attendance, underscoring the family-oriented theme.

Kartel shared that his performance will be a chronological showcase of his musical evolution, including notable phases of his career and his famed feud with rival Mavado. “We’re starting from when Kartel first came out—chronologically. We’ll have the ‘Teacher,’ then ‘Black Kartel,’ followed by the ‘War Angel’ phase with Mavado, then ‘World Boss,’ and finally, the Kartel who was incarcerated,” he explained.

The artiste seemed upbeat about his health, addressing questions about his fitness with humour. “Contrary to popular belief, I’m working out. We’ll be starting yoga tomorrow at 9 am,” he said.

Fans were thrilled with Kartel’s announcement of a special Black Friday promotion: on November 29 and 30, bleacher tickets will be half-price.

“Black Friday sale is for the ghetto youth—where I’m from. So, 50 per cent off for bleachers will be available that week only,” he confirmed, aiming to make the event accessible to all his fans.