3 weeks ago
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Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is to be crowned “King of the Dancehall’ by Reggae Sumfest.
The recognition is to take place on Friday, July 18, which is Festival Night One of Reggae Sumfest 2025, which is to be held at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, St James.
A source close to Downsound Promotion, the promoters of the annual music festival, told The Gleaner earlier tonight that, following discussions between Joe Bogdanovich and the artiste, Kartel has decided to accept the title.
Should everything go as planned, Kartel would be taking the crown from dancehall legend Beenie Man who was named "King of the Dancehall” by Reggae Sumfest at its staging in 2009.
There have been discussions in the music fraternity about who is the king of dancehall, with fans drawing lines.
With Kartel dubbing himself Dancehall King upon his return from prison last July, some fans have been questioning who holds the title, as Beenie Man has held it for years.
Both entertainers have exchanged barbs online about who really sits on the throne.
This has seen Beenie Man pulling on throwback videos of Kartel hailing him as king.
But, Kartel has released music staking his claim as the top boss of dancehall.
Dancehall fans have been hailing him as the new ‘King of the Dancehall’, especially after his stellar performance at his Freedom Street Concert last December, which was co-promoted by Bogdanovich.
- Adrian Frater
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