Jamaican dancehall legend Vybz Kartel had the whole city of Brooklyn outside on Friday night when he hit the stage at Barclays Center. It was his first major U.S. concert since serving over a decade behind bars for a murder he says he never committed.
The sold-out show was more than just a concert — it was a celebration of freedom, resilience, and straight island vibes. Fans packed the venue, turning all the way up to his classic hits that still run every party to this day.
RELATED:Congrats! Vybz Kartel Proposes To Longtime Girlfriend Sidem Öztürk Months After Prison Release!
Cardi B Turned Up Like A True Fan — Safaree Got Emotional Seeing His Idol
Kartel didn’t just bring the energy — he brought the celebrities too. From Grammy-winning Bronx superstar Cardi B, to Buju Banton pulling up to show love; Brooklyn was looking like a true yard party. Cardi was spotted vibing and turning up heavy with her girls, dancing to Kartel’s timeless records.
But one of the most emotional moments of the night came from none other than Safaree Samuels, who has always been vocal about his love for Vybz Kartel.
Safaree took to Instagram and poured his heart out:
“I cried real tears tonight.. my life flashed b4 my eyes. My friends thought it was a joke.. but I cried!!! Yo @vybzkartel l can’t believe your free.. I never thought I would see the day! GOD IS SURREAL!!”
Vybz Kartel’s Conviction Overturned — The World Boss Is Back!
As we reported before, Kartel’s conviction was overturned by a London court earlier this year. His legal team successfully argued that a juror accused of bribery should have been removed from the case, changing the trajectory of his life forever.
Even while locked up, Kartel never stopped making music — blessing fans with tracks like his hit “Fever,” which still dominates playlists around the world.
From Prison To The Grammys — Vybz Kartel Reflects On His Journey
Earlier this year, the World Boss made headlines after attending the Grammys, where he stopped to chop it up with Hollywood Unlocked about what it means to be back in the U.S. — a place that has shown him so much love over the years.
In his own words:
“I’m still processing. I just told my fiance, six months ago I was just in jail. Now I’m free and I’m nominated for a Grammy for the first time. God is real man, trust me.”
Brooklyn showed up and showed out for the World Boss. Vybz Kartel shutting down Barclays Center wasn’t just a concert — it was a moment for the culture. With Cardi B turning up like a true fan, and Safaree shedding real tears, it’s clear that Kartel’s impact runs deep.
And now that he’s free, fans can only expect bigger things from the Dancehall legend.
What was your favorite moment from the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay locked in with Hollywood Unlocked for more exclusive stories like this!
