Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is set to receive one of the genre’s highest honours this summer—an official coronation as the new King of the Dancehall at the 32nd staging of Reggae Sumfest. The announcement was made by Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, during the festival’s media launch held at the Iberostar Hotel in St. James. Set to perform at this year’s event, the Gaza General will join an elite class of icons, as Beenie Man was the last artist to receive this royal distinction back in 2009.
“We are also crowning Vybz Kartel, that’s a big deal!” Bogdanovich declared, igniting a wave of excitement among fans and industry insiders. Though Beenie Man has long held the title, the Downsound chief emphasised that no monarchy lasts forever: “Kings come and go. They can’t be a king all the time.” The move signals a symbolic passing of the crown to one of dancehall’s most impactful, polarising, and controversial figures—his influence on the genre remains unmatched.
This year’s Reggae Sumfest, taking place from July 13–19 in Montego Bay, promises an unforgettable celebration of Jamaican culture with seven days of events culminating in two massive concert nights at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex. The star-studded lineup includes Toni Braxton, Bugle, Tarrus Riley, Masicka, Protoje, Tommy Lee Sparta, and the soon-to-be-crowned Vybz Kartel.
Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange hailed the festival as “a cornerstone of our cultural heritage,” noting its enduring role in showcasing Jamaica’s talent and creativity. Meanwhile, Tourism Director Donovan White praised Sumfest as “our cultural North Star,” underlining its power to connect Jamaica with the global stage. As the festival prepares to honour the legacy of co-founder Robert “Ducksie” Russell and spotlight the enduring reign of Jamaican music, Kartel’s crowning marks a historic moment in dancehall’s ever-evolving legacy.
