KINGSTON, Jamaica – Basking in the surrealism of a dream long-awaited, Vybz Kartel is embracing his new reality with a mix of awe and triumph. Once confined to whispers behind bars, he’s now the focal point of one of the most anticipated concerts Jamaica and the Caribbean have ever seen.

Fresh off a private jet and poised to take the stage, Kartel is still coming to terms with the magnitude of his return.

“Mi still a process the feeling surrounding that elation and joy fi know say literally a month and a half ago me did deh inna a prison cell and just literally a few weeks ago me just jump offa a private jet and go to a next country. Now, Downsound a plan the biggest concert in Jamaica and indeed the Caribbean. It’s a feeling mi caan even process. It too big,” Kartel said in a press release.

Freedom Street isn’t just another concert for Kartel. It’s a testament to his resilience, his connection with fans, and the monumental significance of his return, the release stated.

Despite not having performed for over 13 years, Kartel likened his upcoming return to the stage to something primal.

“Imagine yuh nuh eat fi 13 years and den dem let you go pon a buffet – that’s di best analogy,” he explained.

When asked about his partnership with Downsound Entertainment and its role in making ‘Freedom Street’ a reality, Kartel was nothing short of grateful.  He credits the Downsound team for vision and execution.

“This is di best collaboration since bun and cheese, since ackee and saltfish! Joe, Teejay, Skatta, and Karla always deh pon top a ting,”  he said, noting that Downsound is pulling out all the stops to ensure Freedom Street is the grandest event of the year.

He touted Freedom Street as more than a concert, but a reunion, a celebration of life, and a party like no other.

“It’s not just coming to see Kartel perform – it’s a family event where me and my fans , who are my family aka the Gaza citizens – we a celebrate together, we a party together and we a ring in the new year together. That means a lot. New Year is for family and close friends, so this is no exception. This is a family-oriented event between Vybz Kartel and the fans, so come party wid me, come ring in the new year wid me, come give glory to God with me and give thanks fi life. Downsound, Vybz Kartel and the Gaza nation family – we doing it big,” Kartel said.