A New King Has Risen: Vybz Kartel Crowned at Reggae Sumfest 2025, Pays Respect to Beenie Man as ‘Former King’

Dancehall titan Vybz Kartel was officially crowned King of the Dancehall on Saturday morning (July 19th) at Reggae Sumfest 2025, in a symbolic ceremony conducted by Queen of the Dancehall Spice and festival organiser Joe Bogdanovich. Two crowns were presented, and the audience chose the one with red and gold for him. Despite his coronation, Kartel graciously acknowledged Beenie Man as the “former king” and paid tribute to Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, and Ninjaman as major influences in his journey, signalling unity and respect within the genre. This marks Kartel’s first Reggae Sumfest performance since 2011, before his arrest and subsequent release. Despite years away from the live stage, he delivered a full set and expressed deep appreciation for the honour and his fans.

“I’m gonna be the bigger person. Big up to Beenie Man, the former king,” Kartel declared to roaring cheers, while sitting on his gold-and-white throne at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. The moment was punctuated by Spice’s signature wit as she proclaimed, “One king, any other king must be Burger King,” sealing the handover of the genre’s crown with both reverence and flair.

Kartel’s set was a mixture of theatrical bravado and grounded authenticity. He apologised for using a profanity during his set, citing the moment humorously by saying, “Vagina was on the stage,” which sent the crowd into a fit of laughter. He also name-dropped his former partner and baby mothers, noting that both were backstage because, in his words, “Mi is a family man.” In one cheeky moment, he sang, “Shorty stab offa me with a knife,” drawing laughter and approval from the crowd.

While those at the venue enjoyed the showcase, online viewers were left disappointed when the livestream was cut just before 4:00 a.m., sparking speculation. However, Prism Marketing Consultants confirmed the cutoff was not technical but contractual, as Kartel’s team had agreed to only 15 minutes of his set being broadcast. The limited stream time only intensified demand and buzz around his performance, with many declaring it one of the most historic moments in modern dancehall history.

Kartel closed his set with fan-favourite anthems including “Brooklyn Anthem” and “Last Man Standing,” departing the stage at approximately 4:36 a.m. after a powerful and symbolic return. For many fans and industry veterans alike, the coronation marked the closing of a long chapter and the dawn of a new era — one where Vybz Kartel’s reign, once hotly contested, is now officially cemented in dancehall’s legacy.