In yesterday’s edition the Jamaica Observer chronicled the highs of Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer’s journey from his release on July 31, 2024 to the grand stage return on Freedom Street on December 31, 2025. Today’s Splash takes on the 2025 standouts.

* January 7, 2025 — This date was extra special as the deejay celebrated his first birthday post-prison. The occasion was marked by a surprise pre-birthday party organised by family and friends at CPJ in Kingston. The celebrations continued with a marquee event at the MECA nightclub. The deejay celebrated his 49th birthday.

* January 31, 2025 – Weeks before the official Grammy live event, Vybz Kartel had his US visa reinstated, marking a major moment in his career. Kartel’s US visa was revoked in 2005, and reports indicated that the accepted application was his first since that time. With travel restrictions to the US now a thing of the past, Kartel made his appearance at the Grammys on February 9.

* April 11, 12 — In a moment described as historic, monumental, and unforgettable, Vybz Kartel’s back-to-back concerts in New York City in April marked the entertainer’s first set of appearances in the US after more than a decade behind bars, and two decades since his last appearance in The Big Apple. The
Comet deejay blazed a trail so hot that his US return was the hot topic on social media for more than 48 hours. The two-day series was attended by scores of international celebrities, including Cardi B, Safaree, Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, Neyo, Fabolous, Shatta Wale and Winnie Harlow.

* May 30, 2025 — In addition to a highly anticipated slate of performances from a stellar line-up of local and international acts, Reggae Sumfest organisers announced that Vybz Kartel would be officially crowned King of the Dancehall on July 18. The announcement opened the floodgates of opinions.

* May 31, 2025 — Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel announced that he would not be performing at the One Caribbean Music Fest due to Trinidadian promoters not honouring contractual obligations related to his appearance. The development followed on the heels of the deejay being slapped with restrictions before the event. In a report from
Overtime Media, sources close to the organising committee of Jacho Entertainment said Palmer was officially cleared to enter the country via a permit; however, the entertainer would not be able to carry out crime awareness function activities, panel talks, community walk-throughs, meet with officials and similar-type activities and meetings at any point while in Trinidad.

* July 18, 2025 — With the “Worl Boss” taking over the reigns of dancehall with an official crowning, history was rewritten inside Montego Bay’s Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex. Signalling festival organisers to bring the crowns for the king to make his selection, Queen of the Dancehall Spice praised Kartel for his immense contribution to the dancehall culture before placing the chosen crown atop his head.

“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 have given us some of the biggest anthems in dancehall history. We love you, we appreciate you.”

Thousands flocked to the second city to witness Vybz Kartel’s first Reggae Sumfest performance since 2011. Record-breaking crowds attended — perhaps the largest turnout in the festival’s history — giving rave reviews of his performance.

Fans wait for what’s next for the well-beloved Worl’ Boss.

Vybz Kartel and Spice share a moment backstage following the deejay’s back-to-back, sold-out shows at Barclays Center in New York back in April.

Vybz Kartel with his fiancée Sidem Öztürk at the Grammy Awards back in February. 

The crowning moment at Reggae Sumfest 2025. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)