7 Artists We Want To See Vybz Kartel Bring Out During His ‘Freedom Street’ Concert

Vybz Kartel is set for his long-awaited return to the stage with “Freedom Street,” his first performance in 13 years after being released from prison. The event, set for New Year’s Eve (December 31) at the National Stadium in Kingston, promises to be a historic night, with tickets ranging from $125 USD (approx. $20,000 JMD) to a whopping $10,000 USD (approx. $1.5 million JMD) for premium access. With anticipation sky-high and tiered ticket sales flying off the shelves, all eyes are on Kartel to deliver an unforgettable show.

But what could make this event even more legendary? Some well-timed guest appearances from key figures in Dancehall. Here’s a look at who we’d love to see join Kartel on stage.

Popcaan

A Kartel protégé and the biggest star to emerge from his Portmore Empire camp, Popcaan‘s presence would be a natural fit for the “Freedom Street” show. With his global appeal and hits like Silence, Family and Only Man She Want, seeing Popcaan reunite with his former mentor would be a full-circle moment for fans of both artists. Their performance could reignite their earlier collaborations (Clarks, We Never Fear Dem, Empire Forever) and celebrate the lasting influence of the Gaza movement.

Spice

Queen of Dancehall Spice has been a relentless force in the genre for years. Known for her high-energy performances and unapologetic lyrics, a Kartel-Spice collaboration on stage would be electric. With songs like Romping Shop, Conjugal Visit, and Back Way between them, fans would love to see their chemistry play out live.

Bounty Killer

Bounty Killer and Kartel’s bond transcends music, as the former played a pivotal role in launching Kartel’s career. In a 2023 interview, Bounty praised Kartel as “intelligent and very lyrical,” highlighting his creative brilliance, even in the early stages of his career. “Him never have the deejay thing so pat [down perfectly] at the time but mi know seh deejaying a something weh yuh can learn more easier than fi write song,” Bounty recalled. “So from yuh ’round Killa and mi a carry yuh pon stage, automatically yuh ago groom inna it, so mi did know seh him not an average kid.” Though there was some animosity when Kartel eventually moved on to form his own Portmore/Gaza Empire, their relationship now seems mended. Kartel has since publicly thanked Bounty for giving him a “great escape from poverty.” A joint performance would acknowledge their shared history and celebrate their lasting contributions to Dancehall.

Vanessa Bling (Gaza Slim)

Vanessa Bling‘s close affiliation with Kartel helped to propel her career with songs such as One Man, Anything A Anything, and Moving On, but it also landed her in legal trouble. In 2011, she was arrested alongside Kartel in connection with the Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams case. While Kartel received a life sentence, Bling faced charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice but was eventually cleared in 2014. In a 2019 interview with Bashy Magazine, the singer reflected on how her struggles shaped her resilience, saying, “I don’t regret anything that happened to me because it made me into the woman I am today… I wouldn’t be that woman who, no matter what you do to me, I know how to stand strong.” A reunion performance with Kartel would highlight their individual growth and perseverance through adversity, making it a powerful moment for the fans.

Skillibeng

One of Dancehall’s hottest new stars, Skillibeng would be a perfect addition to Kartel’s ‘Freedom Street’ show. Their mutual respect is well-documented, with Vybz Kartel praising the St. Thomas native for his international hit Crocodile Teeth. On the flip side, Skillibeng has always been vocal about Kartel’s influence on his career. In a 2020 interview, he credited Kartel as a major inspiration for ‘a lot of what I’m doing now.’ Their collaborations, The King and Prince and Bad Gyal, further solidify this connection.

Rvssian

Producer and hitmaker Rvssian has been a crucial part of Kartel’s sound, working on many of his iconic tracks, like Life Sweet, Straight Jeans, and Fitted, and Ever Blessed. Bringing him out to share the stage would remind fans of the musical chemistry that has shaped so much of Kartel’s success. Plus, a live performance of one of their collaborations would be a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Shawn Storm

Shawn Storm, Kartel’s longtime ally and former member of the Portmore Empire, would be a meaningful guest at the ‘Freedom Street’ concert. The two have a deep bond, having served time together after being convicted in the same 2014 case. Storm has always remained loyal to Kartel, publicly supporting him throughout their incarceration. Despite their legal troubles, both artists continued to release music during their imprisonment, with Shawn Storm often reaffirming his allegiance to Kartel. A shared performance would symbolize their brotherhood and highlight their resilience in the face of adversity. Their collabs include Stimulus (2022), Run Dem File (2022), Waistline Wine (2014) and Empire Forever (2011).