5 days ago
7
New York:
Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, who appeared on major media networks ahead of his first performance in the USA in 20 years, made a triumphant return to the performing stage, staking his claim as the King of Dancehall with back-to-back sold-out performances on Friday and Saturday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
His performance was supported by surprise appearances by hip hop legend Busta Rhymes, Dancehall Queen Spice, Shenseea, Jah Vinci, Black Ryno, producer Rvssian and Ghanaian American singer Moliy ( Shake it to the Max). Among the celebrities spotted backstage were Buju Banton, Cardi B, Elephant Man and Stefflon Don, who were seen hobnobbing with the World Boss.
Also among his enthusiastic supporters was Reggae Sumfest and Freedom Street head honcho, Joe Bogdanovich, who flew in from Jamaica to witness the historic performance.
“I liked his set. I liked the whole atmosphere inside the Barclays Center. The place was jam-packed with an enthusiastic crowd. They really enjoyed themselves. It was Kartel in his raw form ... emotional and natural as always. He truly gave a great performance,” Bogdanovich said in an interview with The Gleaner.
He also praised the Kartel’ work ethics and growth since he was released from prison last year.
“Kartel is waking up the younger artistes in the dancehall arena. It’s not just about hype, it’s about content, and it’s about positivity over negativity,” Bogdanovich said, adding, “Hype is important, but what we care about at Reggae Sumfest is the wow factor ... and Vybz Kartel delivers that every time.”
Friday night’s most emotionally charged moment came during Kartel’s performance of his new single God is the Greatest’, which energised the 18,000 plus fans inside the Barclays Center and which brought tears to the deejay’s eyes.
“That’s a big song,” Bogdanovich declared.
“He was emotional and gave it to them in a way that was natural as always. I’m looking forward to him recording more songs like that. He can sing, he can deejay ... he can do it all. He’s a gifted entertainer, right up there with the best in the world. He’s thinking differently now. He is more gracious, he is thankful, and it’s great to see that kind of growth,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 34th staging of Reggae Sumfest, which takes place in Montego Bay from Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19, Joe hinted at some changes that his team plans to institute.
“We’re planning to end the show around 4 or 4:15 a.m. We want to compress the energy, so the audience isn’t worn out by sunrise. That’s an old-school thing we’re trying to phase out.”
This year’s Reggae Sumfest will take place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay for Festival Nights 1 and 2. Friday night will feature Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skeng, Govana, Jamal, D’Yani, Laden, Shaneil Muir, and Jah Fabio. Festival Night 2 will close out with Sizzla, Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Shenseea, Lila Ike, Fantan Mojah, I-Wayne, Pressure and Bugle.
Reflecting on Kartel’s time in prison and the journey back to the spotlight in the eight months since he was released from prison, Joe shared, “He stayed focused in prison. He caused no trouble, and he kept his music alive. The sky’s the limit for him. He’s embracing his talent and moving fast, and I support it all the way.”
English (US) ·