Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, currently in New York for two sold-out performances at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center this weekend, made a headline-grabbing appearance on Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning on Wednesday. In a candid and at times humorous interview with hosts Ebro Darden, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez, Kartel opened up about his personal evolution—discussing plans to marry his fiancée Sidem Öztürk, expanding his family, and reflecting on his past decision to bleach his skin. “We’re definitely getting married this year—and more kids on the way, definitely! I need some Turkish children,” Kartel quipped, prompting laughter from the hosts. “Yes, yes. I need some kids to talk to me that I don’t understand.”
As one of dancehall’s most prolific and controversial figures, Vybz Kartel continues to redefine the boundaries of the genre. His two-night run at the Barclays Center on April 11th and 12th, part of the popular Reggae Fest concert series, is already being hailed as a watershed moment for Caribbean music in the U.S. “This is going to be the biggest dancehall concert in U.S. history,” declared Reggae Fest founder CJ Milan. The first show sold out within hours, prompting the addition of a second date—an unprecedented feat for a hardcore dancehall artist on American soil.
Kartel’s visit and media rounds come amid a banner year for the deejay, who has received a Grammy nomination and recognition at the 2025 MOBO Awards. These milestones mark a pivotal shift in the global recognition of dancehall music. With over 1.5 billion streams across digital platforms and a social media following that rivals mainstream pop stars, Kartel’s global appeal is undeniable. His collaborations with international acts like Nicki Minaj, Major Lazer, and, most recently, Busta Rhymes and Akon, have only further expanded his reach.
During the interview, Kartel also touched on his lifestyle changes. “I smoke less, I drink less. Now, the only thing I do more is sex—and that’s okay. That’s healthy, right?” he joked, earning an enthusiastic “Yes!” from Rosenberg. But the conversation took a more introspective turn when Ebro brought up Kartel’s history with skin bleaching—a topic that sparked widespread controversy years ago. “I mean, on the inside, it definitely had to do with self-love,” Kartel admitted. “But at the time, my mind wasn’t telling me that… I think it was just—as a Black man, sometimes you have those issues. So yeah! I would never bleach again.”
With these honest revelations and history-making performances on the horizon, Kartel is not only taking back the stage—he’s reclaiming his narrative. His presence in New York this weekend isn’t just about the music; it’s a powerful reminder of dancehall’s global influence and the ongoing journey of one of its most iconic figures.
