The Freedom Avenue live performance delivered an unforgettable expertise as 1000’s of followers from world wide packed the Nationwide Stadium in Kingston to have a good time the return of Vybz Kartel.
The present marked the “Teacha’s” extremely anticipated return to the stage, his first look since being launched from jail in July 2024 after serving 14 years for a homicide conviction that was later overturned. Kartel delivered a historic efficiency, fascinating the gang together with his plain presence and expertise.
When the clock struck 11:15 pm, the stadium roared to life as Vybz Kartel made his grand entrance in a pinstriped three-piece swimsuit, exuding confidence and charisma. The power within the air was palpable, and the gang—a few of whom had waited many years for this second—erupted into thunderous applause.
The followers didn’t simply watch; they grew to become a part of the present. Kartel’s setlist was a masterful journey by way of his profession, ranging from his early hits in 2002 that had skyrocketed him to stardom. From “Summertime” to “Clarks” and all the pieces in between, the gang sang each phrase, remodeling the stadium into an enormous choir.
Kartel wasn’t the one one to convey the hearth. The live performance featured powerhouse performances from a few of dancehall’s largest names, together with Hip Hop star Busta Rhymes; Ghanian artiste Shatta Wale; Tommy Lee Sparta, who was joined on stage by Skeng; Jah Vinci; Bounty Killer; Power Regulation, Spice, and Skilibeng. Former Gaza Crew members Gaza Kim; Indu; Shawn Storm and Sheba additionally took the stage, including an additional layer of nostalgia to the night.
Probably the most heartwarming moments of the evening unfolded when Kartel shared the stage together with his sons, Little Addi and Little Vybz. Including to the nostalgia, Sheba, a former member of the Portmore Empire, joined Kartel on stage earlier than introducing her son, Nhance, whom she affectionately known as Kartel’s “son.” Nhance captured the viewers’s consideration together with his cheeky comment, “Oonu have already got a son,” sparking waves of laughter all through the gang.
One of many evening’s smartest choices was putting the stage on the centre of the stadium, maximizing stage-side views for patrons and creating an immersive expertise.
Regardless of the large scale of the manufacturing, technical points had been minimal, and the occasion ran easily general. Nonetheless, there have been a number of hiccups, together with a late begin and criticism from Eastern dancehall artistes Popcaan and Chronic Law, who expressed frustration with the organisers for making them wait hours earlier than taking the stage.
Article by Anthony Henry with Ramon Thompson behind the lens
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