Ruff Kutt Band’s drummer, Ricardo “Drummy” Davis, has entered the ongoing debate surrounding Vybz Kartel’s performance style, offering a measured perspective on the Dancehall icon’s preference for tracks over a live band. Davis, who has shared the stage with Kartel numerous times in band settings, commenting on a recent article surrounding the issue, stated, “I’ve played a lot of Kartel’s band shows in the past and he performed very well, but he feels more comfortable with tracks. If that’s his comfort zone, what’s the problem? There are a lot of other artists who prefer a band, so to each his own.”
The comments come in response to a social media post by Kartel’s associates and businessman, Cordel “Skatta” Burrell, who defended the artist against critiques suggesting he should perform with a live band. Skatta’s post, captioned “Band of Brothers & Sista is the only Band We need,” seemed to reaffirm Kartel’s confidence in his team and his track-based performance style, sparking conversations among fans and industry insiders alike.
Davis’ perspective highlights a broader conversation in Dancehall and reggae circles about performance authenticity versus personal comfort. While some purists, like members of the Ruff Kutt Band, argue for the artistry and spontaneity that a live band brings, artists like Kartel have proven that a carefully curated track set can draw massive crowds worldwide. His shows in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean continue to sell out, reinforcing that a live band isn’t a prerequisite for commercial or artistic success.
By weighing both sides, Drummy offers a voice of reason amid fan debates and media scrutiny. His comments suggest that the decision to use tracks or live instrumentation ultimately comes down to the artist’s comfort and performance strategy, rather than a question of talent or credibility.
