Watch: Fans cheer Vybz Kartel’s return at Freedom Street

The Freedom Street concert delivered an unforgettable experience as thousands of fans from around the world packed the National Stadium in Kingston to celebrate the return of Vybz Kartel.

The show marked the "Teacha’s" highly anticipated return to the stage, his first appearance since being released from prison in July 2024 after serving 14 years for a murder conviction that was later overturned. Kartel delivered a historic performance, captivating the crowd with his undeniable presence and talent.

When the clock struck 11:15 pm, the stadium roared to life as Vybz Kartel made his grand entrance in a pinstriped three-piece suit, exuding confidence and charisma. The energy in the air was palpable, and the crowd—some of whom had waited decades for this moment—erupted into thunderous applause.

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The fans didn’t just watch; they became part of the show. Kartel's setlist was a masterful journey through his career, starting from his early hits in 2002 that had skyrocketed him to stardom. From “Summertime” to “Clarks” and everything in between, the crowd sang every word, transforming the stadium into a massive choir.

Kartel wasn’t the only one to bring the fire. The concert featured powerhouse performances from some of dancehall's biggest names, including Hip Hop star Busta Rhymes; Ghanian artiste Shatta Wale; Tommy Lee Sparta, who was joined on stage by Skeng; Jah Vinci; Bounty Killer; Chronic Law, Spice, and Skilibeng. Former Gaza Crew members Gaza Kim; Indu; Shawn Storm and Sheba also took the stage, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the evening.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the night unfolded when Kartel shared the stage with his sons, Little Addi and Little Vybz. Adding to the nostalgia, Sheba, a former member of the Portmore Empire, joined Kartel on stage before introducing her son, Nhance, whom she affectionately referred to as Kartel’s “son.” Nhance captured the audience’s attention with his cheeky remark, “Oonu already have a son,” sparking waves of laughter throughout the crowd.

One of the night’s smartest decisions was placing the stage at the centre of the stadium, maximizing stage-side views for patrons and creating an immersive experience.

Despite the massive scale of the production, technical issues were minimal, and the event ran smoothly overall. However, there were a few hiccups, including a late start and criticism from Eastern dancehall artistes Popcaan and Chronic Law, who expressed frustration with the organisers for making them wait hours before taking the stage.

Article by Anthony Henry with Ramon Thompson behind the lens