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Thursday, July 31, 2025, marks exactly one year since Vybz Kartel walked free from the Tower Street Correctional Facility after nearly 13 years behind bars—a turning point not only in his personal life but in the landscape of Jamaican music. His release, granted by the Jamaican Court of Appeal due to juror misconduct in his original trial, sparked a wave of international attention. But what followed was even more astonishing: a career resurgence so powerful that, within twelve months, the self-proclaimed “Worl’ Boss” reclaimed his rightful place and was officially crowned King of the Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest 2025.
Kartel didn’t waste a moment re-entering the scene. Just hours after his release, he dropped First Week Out, a hard-hitting mixtape that reintroduced him to the public as both battle-ready and creatively revived. By January, he had reissued his landmark album Viking (Vybz Is King) with seven newly recorded tracks—a symbolic and sonic statement of rebirth. The resurgence peaked when his EP Party With Me earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, a career-first for the veteran deejay and a validation of his continued relevance on the global stage.
His live performances in the past year have been equally historic. Kartel made his triumphant return to Jamaican soil with a headlining performance at the Freedom Street concert on New Year’s Eve 2024, electrifying the National Stadium in Kingston. In July, he performed at London’s Wireless Festival for the first time in two decades, where a surprise onstage collaboration with Drake generated massive buzz. But the ultimate coronation came at Reggae Sumfest, where Kartel was officially anointed “King of the Dancehall,” a title long spoken by fans and now institutionally confirmed.
Internationally, his Worl’ Boss Tour has been a spectacle of sold-out arenas and cultural reconnection. Kartel’s U.S. shows in Brooklyn drew thousands and marked his firm return to one of his largest fanbases. With dates across Europe, the Caribbean, and North America—including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Trinidad, and Guyana—the tour has solidified his role not just as a Jamaican icon but as a global ambassador of the genre.
Yet beyond the accolades and appearances, Kartel’s post-prison evolution has shown personal growth. Now residing in South Florida, he has prioritized his health—managing Graves’ disease through clean eating and daily workouts—and reaffirmed his commitment to family and future. Speaking to The Guardian, he urged young people to “stay away from gangsterism,” marking a shift from controversy to clarity. One year later, Vybz Kartel is not just free—he’s focused, fearless, and firmly back on the throne.
English (US) ·