Montego Bay, Jamaica – Popular dancehall artist Vybz Kartel is set to be officially crowned “Dancehall King” during Reggae Sumfest 2025, marking a major milestone in his storied career and cementing his legacy within the genre.
The announcement was teased by Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of DownSound Entertainment, during the festival’s official launch on Wednesday in Montego Bay. While listing the star-studded line-up for the 32nd staging of the annual event, Bogdanovich referred to Kartel as the “current dancehall king,” signaling what many speculated would be a formal coronation.
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A source close to the production company, though not authorized to speak publicly, later confirmed that Kartel will indeed be officially crowned at this year’s festival.
Kartel is slated to headline Festival Night One on Friday, July 18, and it is widely anticipated that the crowning ceremony will take place that night inside the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, St James—a fitting tribute in front of thousands of fans.
This move recalls a similar moment in 2009, when Beenie Man was declared “King of the Dancehall” during Reggae Sumfest, further establishing the festival as a platform for honoring excellence in Jamaican music.
A Triumphant Return
The 2025 coronation comes on the heels of Kartel’s triumphant return to the stage in December 2024, marking his first live performance since his release from prison after serving 13 years. His conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in July 2024, citing procedural irregularities and lack of credible evidence. Kartel last graced the Reggae Sumfest stage in 2011.
Known for his prolific output, lyrical ingenuity, and cultural influence, Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer has remained a dominant force in dancehall—even during his incarceration. His influence has shaped a generation of artistes and helped define the sound of modern Jamaican music.
Star-Studded Line-up for Reggae Sumfest 2025
This year’s Sumfest promises to be one of the biggest yet, with a diverse and dynamic line-up. International R&B legend Toni Braxton will take the stage alongside top-tier local and regional acts including Masicka, Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Lila Iké, Tommy Lee Sparta, and Skeng, among others.
The festival, which began in 1993, continues to celebrate the best in reggae and dancehall, while also embracing international stars and genres that appeal to a global audience.
With Kartel’s long-awaited coronation, Reggae Sumfest 2025 is poised to be a historic moment in Jamaican music culture—a night where legacy meets legend under the Montego Bay lights.
