Vybz Kartel has made history as the first and only dancehall artiste to sell out the main O2 Arena in London. Performing back-to-back shows on September 4 and 5, 2025, he drew 20,000 fans each night, marking an unprecedented moment for the genre. With guest appearances from Rvssian and Wizkid, Kartel delivered powerhouse performances despite an injured knee, ending each night with an emotional God Is the Greatest. Until now, no dancehall artiste had ever achieved such a feat at the O2, making Kartel’s accomplishment a landmark for Jamaican music and a clear signal of dancehall’s expanding global influence.
Jesse Royal, the acclaimed reggae artist known for tracks like “Small Axe,” was recently involved in a single-vehicle crash on August 23. He sustained a broken arm that required surgery but emerged from the incident with gratitude rather than regret. Following a period of recovery, he was medically cleared to travel and perform—expressed in an energetic video on his social platforms. Though the crash led to the cancellation of several appearances, including Carifesta XV, his team is working to preserve his performance schedule, guided by his healing needs. Concurrently, Jesse dropped his long-awaited album No Place Like Home on August 29, inspired by the ordeal and serving as a powerful reflection on life, adversity, and creative rebirth.
The 2025 Jamaican elections felt less like politics and more like a dancehall soundclash, with the JLP and PNP battling through dubplates, stage shows, and artist endorsements. From Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, and Popcaan to Mr. Vegas, Shenseea, and Alkaline, the two parties turned rallies into festivals. In the end, Andrew Holness and the JLP Sound claimed victory, securing a historic third straight term.
J’Ouvert is far more than a paint-and-powder street party. Its origins trace back to the colonial era in Trinidad, where enslaved Africans used pre-dawn rituals of mud, masquerade, and music to resist oppression and preserve their culture. Today, J’Ouvert symbolizes equality, freedom, and resilience, uniting communities in celebration while keeping alive the memory of struggle and liberation. To dismiss it as mere chaos is to ignore its powerful history and meaning.
A stylish and comfortable shirt for reggae lovers who roam the world for the love of the music and culture. Featuring bold, eye-catching text that proudly declares “I Travel For Reggae Music” this shirt is perfect for festivals, concerts, and everyday wear. Designed for those who live and breathe reggae vibes, it’s a must-have for true fans of the movement.
In a harrowing turn of events, reggae artist Jesse Royal was involved in a significant vehicle accident. Though the severity of his injuries hasn’t been officially publicized, he assures fans he’s okay and focused on recovery. Royal is retaining his touring commitments, including a performance with Buju Banton in Atlantic City on September 12, 2025, and a New York show with Beres Hammond on September 4, 2025. While specifics are scarce, the community response has been one of relief and support, with many thankful for his safety. Amid this recovery, Jesse Royal also confirmed the release of his new album titled No Place Like Home, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the music and his audience.
Veteran dancehall icon Major Mackerel, known for his wild vocal stylings and defining hits of the 1980s, has survived a gauntlet of crises—from a violent samurai sword attack to a devastating leg amputation caused by illness. Most recently, he suffered two strokes in quick succession. Despite these hardships, he remains a revered figure in reggae, buoyed by humor, courage, and the support of the music community. Fundraisers and benefit concerts have emerged to aid his recovery and celebrate his enduring influence, proving that legends don’t go silent—they just find new ways to roar.
Africa is experiencing a powerful resurgence as leaders across the continent move to reclaim control of their natural resources and rewrite the narrative of dependence. Sparked by the legacy of Muammar Gaddafi’s pan-African vision, leaders like Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso, Assimi Goïta in Mali, and Mamady Doumbouya in Guinea are making decisive moves to nationalize mining industries, enforce contractual compliance, and ensure that wealth generated from Africa’s soil benefits African people. These actions include the creation of state-run gold refineries, the arrest of foreign mining executives, the seizure of multi-million-dollar gold shipments, and the revocation of non-performing mining licenses. As part of the Alliance of Sahel States, these nations are forming a united front aimed at economic sovereignty and industrial independence. This article explores how Africa’s new leadership is reshaping the continent’s future through firm policy, regional cooperation, and a return to African-first governance.
Dancehall figure Nuffy found himself in hot water after misinterpreting comments made by sound system mogul Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin. While Chin’s recent accomplishments like World Bash continue to elevate the culture, Nuffy’s defensive reaction—reportedly tied to Vybz Kartel and accusations of skin bleaching—came off as misinformed and overly emotional. In this Reggae Vibe breakdown, we explore how the clash unfolded, why Chin’s calm clapback stole the show, and what lessons can be learned when sound men let pride override perspective. A little humor, a lot of facts—just how we like it.
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) – In a triumphant return to his homeland’s most iconic stage, Vybz Kartel has been officially crowned King of Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest 2025. The coronation took place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, where a record-breaking crowd witnessed the bold declaration of a dancehall legend reclaiming his throne. High above the […]
