16/08/2026
The Barclays Center is 13 years old, and was imprisoned for 13 years.
During those 13 years, no other dancehall artiste thought to perform at an arena; instead, they traveled from Florida to the Tri-State area performing in clubs and parties.
However, as soon as Vybz Kartel broke ground and proved that dancehall can sell out arenas, , , Aidonia, and Bounty Killer, among others, began aiming for arena performances.
While this is welcomed and beneficial for dancehall, these are the same artistes who act as though Vybz Kartel does not inspire them, even as they copy his strategy.
This reflects a familiar pattern in culture.
A Jamaican will see someone selling oranges along the Bog Walk gorge, and decide to set up a shop right next to them selling the same thing, only to become enemies of the very person they copied.
Although other nationalities exhibit similar behavior, the focus here is on Jamaicans.
Before Vybz Kartel began selling out arenas, dancehall was stagnant, allowing to dominate and sell out major venues using k**k off dancehall, in places where reggae and dancehall should have been reigning supreme.
No wonder why Afrobeats has experienced a decline since Kartel's return.
People no longer care for imitations now that the authentic source has returned.
Credit should be given where it is due. Vybz Kartel opened the doors for the many ungrateful artistes who are now benefiting from the opportunities he created upon his release.
There would be no Masicka concert at the Barclays Center without Vybz Kartel, just as there would have been no Alkaline performance there a few months prior.
Alkaline had to cancel his tour following his Barclays performance, proving that not every artiste possesses the star power and longevity required to tour on Kartel's level. He is truly one of one.
But, artistes whom are eating the crumbs from the table Vybz Kartel created, should be more grateful.