Vybz Kartel & Shenseea’s “Panic” Debuts at No. 1 on U.S. Reggae iTunes in One Hour

Dancehall titan Vybz Kartel continues his explosive return to the global stage as his new single “Panic,” featuring Shenseea, debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Reggae iTunes chart within just one hour of release on February 20, 2026. The achievement marks Kartel’s third chart-topping release in two weeks and Shenseea’s first No. 1 of the year.

The track reunites Kartel and Shenseea nearly a decade after their breakout collaboration “Loodi,” the 2016 anthem that introduced Shenseea to international audiences under Kartel’s co-sign. Produced by Linton “TJ” White (TJ Records) in collaboration with Vybz Kartel Muzik, “Panic” blends a modern, hard-hitting dancehall sound with the gritty lyrical swagger and unmistakable ad-libs that defined Kartel’s gold-selling hit “Fever.”

Now two global forces in their own right, the former mentor and protégé reconnect on what feels both nostalgic and forward-looking — a pop-leaning, bounce-heavy anthem built for clubs, social media virality, and summer playlists worldwide. Kartel framed the collaboration as a cultural milestone as much as a musical one.

““We made a statement with ‘Loodi’ a decade ago, one that helped put Shenseea on the map. ‘Panic’ is another one for the history books. This is for the fans who’ve been there from day one and for the new generation running with the sound now. It’s God & Time — everything aligning when it’s supposed to.”

“Panic” also serves as the first official single from Kartel’s upcoming studio album God & Time, due later this year.

The accompanying music video, shot in Miami and directed by Shane Creative, delivers unapologetic dancehall energy: with Rebel the dancer, towering sound systems, Caribbean color palettes, batty riders, nonstop waistlines, horns and sultry tropical heat. The visual balances raw Jamaican street aesthetics with the polished global presentation both artists now command, reinforcing dancehall’s roots while showcasing its worldwide reach.

Kartel’s resurgence since his release has been unprecedented. In 2025, he mounted the year’s highest-grossing dancehall tour, selling out more than 25 arena and stadium shows across three continents and averaging over 20,000 fans per night, including a 2 shows in Jamaica 3 night runs at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, 2 nights at London’s O2 Arena, and 3 nights at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena — his first major U.S. and European appearances in over two decades.

Beyond touring, Kartel secured two consecutive GRAMMY® nomination for Best Reggae Album, landed a Top 5 Billboard Rhythmic Airplay hit alongside Travis Scott and Tyla, and amassed millions of streams and views across platforms.

As for Shenseea, she is also getting ready for her new era as the only female Jamaican acts currently signed to a major record label.