After more than two decades away from New York, dancehall icon Vybz Kartel made a monumental return over the weekend, headlining two back-to-back sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
The performances marked a powerful comeback and cultural moment for Kartel, who remains one of the most influential voices in dancehall despite his long-standing legal issues and physical absence from the U.S. Fans and celebrities alike packed the arena to witness the long-awaited shows, which served not just as concerts but as a celebration of Kartel’s enduring legacy and impact on global music. The energy in the building was electric, with thousands singing along to his extensive catalog of hits.
Among the many tributes and nods of respect over the weekend, one of the most notable came from Drake, who honoured Kartel with a stunning custom OVO chain. Designed by renowned jeweller Alex Moss New York, the piece features matching camo-coloured OVO owl pendants encrusted with an intricate mix of white, green, and black diamonds—a clear homage to Jamaica’s national colours.