Vybz Kartel’s MC, Nuffy (@mc.nuffy), and @facevu.images’ Instagram pages lit up social media this week after New York TV host and event promoter Jerry McDonald ignited a fiery debate with a provocative video post titled “Vybz Kartel vs Other Entertainers.”
McDonald’s post stirred emotions among dancehall fans when he asked, “If Vybz Kartel is pulling more crowds than all of our A-list dancehall artists combined, what does it say about the genre?”
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The comments by McDonald were made in reference to Kartel—the recently crowned King of Dancehall—whose string of sold-out arena concerts in the UK, France, and the Caribbean has captured global attention.
In April and August, Kartel sold out the 18,500-capacity Barclays venue on three separate occasions. In June, he sold out the 20,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the Reggae Fest Tour. In September, he sold out the O2 Arena in London, becoming the first Jamaican dancehall artist to sell out two consecutive nights at the venue.
He followed up with a sold-out performance at the Co-Op Arena in Manchester, UK. This was followed by a sold-out event at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham, England, before doing the same at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, as part of his “Worl’ Boss Tour.”
Later this month, he heads to the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, where he has already made history by selling out three consecutive nights for events being hosted by hip-hop superstar Drake in celebration of his birthday. Some have concluded that Kartel’s pulling power is bigger than that of all other dancehall artists in the industry combined.
“I don’t think it says much about the genre itself, but it speaks much about the consumers, the people who are consuming the music,” McDonald reasoned.
Later in the post, he praised the ‘Worl Boss,’ acknowledging his staying power and ability to connect with his fans after years of incarceration.
“You can’t deny his legacy, his hard work,” McDonald shared. “He put in the work and he made hit songs. I think when you combine that with his controversial edge and him going to prison, and all his hit songs. I think all that combines to become a product. It is the product that people are demanding. A lot of artists don’t have all three things. When you combine all three, you’re going to get a monumental artist.”
His comments about the ‘God Is the Greatest’ DJ sparked a flood of passionate responses from Kartel’s loyal fans who filled the comment section with fiery comments of their “World Boss.” Among those responding to the post was DJ Shawn Storm, who some say is Kartel’s most loyal soldier for much of the time the DJ was incarcerated.
Other comments came from bunna_music who said, “If kartel never went to prison!! And had gained an American visa!! 2009, 2010 same outcome. The man was on fire b4 he went into the lock up!! The problem with most of the A list dancehall artist’s them make great songs but they’re not as interesting as @vybzkartel the king of dancehall. The world boss the goat @facevu.images @god_db2662.”
The most interesting comment, however, came from @iamtheunstoppableone, who compared Kartel to freedom fighter and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
“Vybz Kartel reminds me of Nelson Mandela, after his release from prison he became bigger. Gaza then Gaza now Gaza forever,” he said. “Vybz Kartel runs every Lane, Avenue, Street, Boulevard, Corner, Crescent, Village, Scheme, Arena, Highway, Town, City, Parish, Airport, Seaport, County, State, Zip Code, Province, Country and Continent. Kartel runs the world.”
@hardcime6686 said, “Kartel sings about his life. Another artist sings about wishing in fairy tales. And that’s what connects him to so many people,” he said.
And @jayjayicon described Kartel’s strong hold on the industry as, “Simple – is the GOAT.”
Despite the heated debate and comments, McDonald said he respects Kartel’s dominance in the culture.
Whether seen as a musical genius or a symbol of controversy, one thing remains clear: Vybz Kartel dominated the conversation before he went to prison and still does today, now that he is a free man.
