Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to make his long-awaited return to the U.S. stage for the first time in over two decades. The highly anticipated concert will take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, presented by Reggae Fest.
Tickets for the historic event go on presale starting Tuesday, March 4, at 10:00 AM ET, with general public sales beginning Thursday, March 6, at 10:00 AM ET.
Since regaining his U.S. and UK visa in January, Kartel has wasted no time reclaiming his place on the international stage. Expressing his excitement about performing in the U.S. again, he shared:
“This is a monumental moment for me and the culture. To be back on U.S. soil performing for my fans is a blessing that I don’t take lightly. The wait is finally over. New York, get ready.”
Kartel’s visa had been revoked in the early 2000s, making this return to one of dancehall’s most significant markets all the more meaningful.
CJ Milan, CEO and Founder of Reggae Fest, emphasized the magnitude of the event, stating:
“This is going to be the biggest dancehall concert in U.S. history. To be at Barclays Center with the biggest dancehall artist in the world is epic! It’s about time dancehall gets the recognition it deserves. I’m very excited to have Vybz Kartel for his first U.S. show.”
Fans can expect a high-energy performance filled with Kartel’s classic hits and new material that continues to dominate the global dancehall scene.
Kartel’s Triumphant Return to the International Stage
In February 2025, Vybz Kartel made his first U.S. appearance in over 20 years, attending the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where he was nominated for Best Reggae Album. Shortly after, he traveled to the MOBO Awards in England, where he received the Impact Award, following a heartfelt introduction by fellow dancehall star Spice. Kartel took the stage to perform a medley of hits, including “Fever” and “Clarks”, further cementing his global influence.
The momentum continues in the summer, as Kartel is set to perform at the 20th anniversary of London’s Wireless Festival on July 13, 2025. He will join a star-studded lineup featuring Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Summer Walker, and Burna Boy.
With his long-awaited return to the U.S. stage, Vybz Kartel is poised to make dancehall history and fans won’t want to miss it.