Vybz Kartel Plots First U.S. Show in More Than 20 Years: ‘The Wait Is Finally Over’

“New York, that’s Jamaica outside of Jamaica!” Vybz Kartel told Billboard in his January cover story. And in March, the Big Apple will be able to prove Worl’ Boss correct.

On Monday (March 3), Kartel announced his first U.S. live performance in more than 20 years, set to take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 11. Presented by Reggae Fest, presale for the conference begins Tuesday (March 4) at 10 a.m. E.T., with general public tickets going on sale Thursday (March 6) at 10 a.m. E.T.

“This is a monumental moment for me and the culture,” the “Clarks” MC said in a press release. “To be back on U.S. soil performing for my fans is a blessing that I don’t take lightly. The wait is finally over. New York, get ready!”

Kartel’s stateside return is the latest stop on his career-defining victory lap. Last summer, the dancehall legend walked out of prison a free man after serving 13 years of a now-overturned life sentence for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. He quickly celebrated his release with a First Week Out mixtape — which echoed the scores of music he clandestinely recorded while incarcerated, such as 2016’s “Fever” — and his first Grammy nomination for best reggae album for his Party With Me EP.

By New Year’s Eve, Kartel teamed up with Downsound Entertainment to mount Freedom Street — a massive homecoming concert that featured international stars including Spice, Popcaan and Busta Rhymes. The biggest live musical performance in Jamaica in nearly 50 years, Freedom Street cemented Kartel as one of the most influential artists of his time.

In January, Worl’ Boss celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his Viking (Vybz Is King) album with a new deluxe edition featuring seven new songs. The following month, he attended the 67th Annual Grammy Awards and won the Impact Award at England’s MOBO Awards. Kartel will keep up the momentum with an appearance at Wireless Fest on July 13, where he’ll join three-day headliner Drake as a special guest alongside PARTYNEXTDOOR, Summer Walker and Burna Boy.