Gaza fans worldwide are getting ready to light up the new year with Vybz Kartel at the much-anticipated Freedom Street show set for the National Stadium on December 31.

Promising a musical celebration of unforgettable performances, mesmerising stage effects, and an electrifying atmosphere, attendees will welcome 2025 in the most epic dancehall fashion.

In his first sit-down interview with mainstream media since his release, Kartel shared his journey since being released and the energy he’s bringing to the stage at Freedom Street.

Asked how he feels about his return to the stage after more than a decade, Kartel responded:

“First of all, words can’t explain how mi feel. Mi can say me happy, mi elated, it’s amazing, but words really can’t express how mi feel, cause memba enuh, a 13 years. And one ting mi love more than life itself a music, so mi nuh even know how to process da feeling deh,” he said.

He continued: “But weh di fans can expect from Kartel as usual is di unexpected. In terms of performance, dem a get three hours worth a fire. Fans, Gaza Nation, Gaza citizens, roll out!”

Still, Kartel isn’t giving away any surprises just yet.

“We nah gi nobody nuh sneak peek… But mi nah go spoil nutten. Di fans dem just need fi prepare fi di unexpected,” said the artiste as he hinted to guest performances.

With the team at Downsound Entertainment managing the event, fans can expect top-tier production quality and coordination.

Kartel was quick to credit his fans for their unwavering support throughout his time behind bars, explaining that they were the driving force behind the concept of Freedom Street.

“The fans have played the ultimate [role] in shaping the concept of Freedom Street. A dem a chant freedom fi Kartel. From mi deh a prison a dem a chant, ‘Free Worl’ Boss!’ A dem literally name di show. So the show is based around the fans just as much as it is based around Kartel. Dem a my mirror, and me a fi dem mirror. A only tru da mirror ya [his face] kinda likkle bleach out,” he quipped.

The Colouring Book singer shared that he is laser-focused on making Freedom Street the best possible experience for his fans.

“Right now, me just focused on Freedom Street. Everything else can tek a backburner fi now,” Kartel said, then quickly joked, “Why fi backburner? Cause memba mi a one burner!”

Tickets for Freedom Street are now available, offering fans a variety of options to suit their preferences, including Bleachers, Grandstand, In-field, Cycle Track, and Centre Stage.