Vybz Kartel crowned King of Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest 2025

Montego Bay, Jamaica — It’s now official: Vybz Kartel, born Adidjah Palmer, has been crowned the King of Dancehall. The historic moment took place during the 32nd staging of Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay—marking 13 years since Kartel last performed at the festival.

The crowning occurred just after 3 a.m. on Saturday morning. In a symbolic and emotional moment, Queen of Dancehall Spice placed the crown on Kartel’s head, with Downsound Entertainment CEO and Sumfest founder Joe Bogdanovich joining in the presentation.Kartel’s high-energy, one-hour performance included crowd favorites such as Fever, Romping Shop (with Spice), MoBay Anthem, My Scheme, Send Fi Mi Army, Dollar Sign, Bike Back, Real Gallis, Love Dem, and his latest hit, God Is the Greatest, which closed his set in fitting fashion.

In his acceptance speech, Kartel paid tribute to the artists who paved the way, saying: “People, me affi big up Bounty Killa. If a never fi him, me wouldn’t deh yah.”

He also expressed gratitude to Gargamel Buju Banton and Ninjaman for inspiring him in his early years, and gave a nod to Beenie Man—though not without cheek—by referring to him as the “former King of Dancehall.”

Both of Kartel’s longtime partners, Tanesha “Shorty” Johnson and Stacy Elliott, were present for the crowning. Spice wasn’t the only guest artist—Kartel also brought out Ishawna for a surprise two-song set, including their latest collab, Woof.

Social media influencer Jerry McDonald of FACEVU.IMAGES called the crowd, “the biggest crowd I have seen at Reggae Sumfest in all the years I’ve been attending,”  and congratulated Kartel on the major milestone.

Reggae Sumfest continues tonight with performances from R&B icon Toni Braxton, Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Lila Iké, I Wayne, Pressure Busspipe, Bugle, and Fantan Mojah.