Manoeuvring the grounds of Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex on Friday was almost impossible as the venue was full to capacity long before any of the big-name acts graced the stage.

As thousands flocked to the second city to witness Vybz Kartel’s first Reggae Sumfest performance since 2011, it became clear the Kartel effect was in full gear.

With the “Worl Boss” taking over the reigns of dancehall with an official crowning, history was rewritten in Montego Bay. But before the grand coronation, Kartel satisfied the hunger of his eager fan base with an hour-long set of non-stop hits. Reeling out track after track from his extensive catalogue, the entertainer proved exactly why he’s deserving of the dancehall crown.

In the introductory stages of his set, the entertainer catered to his Gaza gangsters. Songs such as Weh Dem Feel Like, Broad Daylight, Nuh Fraid, Hustle The Money, and Empire Army resonated with the crowd as patrons were transported back to the deejay’s militant era.

He then turned his attention to his female fans, thrilling them with another set of hits. Tracks including Dumpa Truck, Come Home, Love Dem, Virginity, Beg You A Touch, Know Bout Me, It Bend Like Banana, Bicycle, among others, had the ladies making room to “buss a whine”.

Kartel brought out several notable female acts to add an extra tier of entertainment to his set. Dancer Dyema Attitude, Ishawna, and Queen of the Dancehall Spice all joined him centre stage as they took the performance to new heights.

As the crowning moment neared, in true King and Queen fashion, the dancehall royalties put on a show for the crowd as they churned out a few of their collaborations including Ramping Shop, Back Way, and Conjugal Visit. The king continued his set as Spice readied herself for the highly anticipated coronation. She re-entered the stage draped in a royal blue gown with her crown atop her head. Signalling festival organisers to bring the crowns for the king to make his selection, Spice praised Kartel for his immense contribution to the dancehall culture.

“Jamaica, you have spoken and we have heard you, so I stand here tonight on behalf of Jamaica, Reggae Sumfest, and the whole world to honour the legacy of Adidja Azim Palmer,” she said. “We’re here to crown the Worl’ Boss, the Teacha. You are a legend, the blueprint, dancehall navel string. You have given us some of the biggest anthems in dancehall history. We love you, we appreciate you.”

She then placed the exquisitely designed crown atop his head.

But while Vybz Kartel may have been the man of the moment, dancehall music emerged the biggest winner on Festival Night One. A masterful display of true artistry by all acts billed to perform sent a strong signal to the world: Dancehall is back, and it’s bigger and better.

Masicka, Govana, Skeng, Shaneil Muir, Jamal, and Tommy Lee Sparta all turned in spectacular performances to prove what Kartel declared at the beginning of his set: “Dancehall cyaan stall.”

D’yani, Harry Toddler, and Laden also delivered solid sets to seal up an unforgettable night of music.