Raw. Real. Unforgettable. Vybz Kartel’s Return Leaves Fans in Awe, The Perfect End to SKMF Night 2
The moment Caribbean music lovers had been waiting over a decade for finally arrived on night two of the St. Kitts Music Festival.
In a performance that will be etched into regional music history, Vybz Kartel, dancehall’s most polarising and prolific figure, made his triumphant return to the stage. Recently released after 13 years of incarceration, the dancehall icon was, without question, the most anticipated act on an already impressive lineup. When he finally took the stage, he delivered a performance that not only lived up to the hype but silenced even the harshest critics.
Backed by years of pent-up expectation and unwavering fan loyalty, Kartel’s set was a masterclass in lyrical prowess, stage presence, and enduring cultural impact, cementing his return and reigniting the energy of a festival already on a high. The energy levels were in the stratosphere when the World Boss took to the stage… the collective response to the Jamaican entertainer was raw, unfiltered, borderline spiritual. It was, in my opinion, the kind of performance that didn’t just shake the stage, it shook the soul.
Kartel, visibly moved and bolstered by the volcanic wave of love-fueled energy pulsating through the crowd, gave even more than expected, performing well beyond the anticipated hour-long set. It was a powerful reminder of his staying power, and why, even after thirteen years behind bars, his crown, as king of Dancehall, remains firmly in place.
Another undeniable crowd favourite on night two of the Saint Kitts Music Festival was the indomitable Spice, whose raunchy, jaw-dropping set ignited the stage and sent the already-exuberant crowd into full-blown hysteria. Midway through her performance, she cranked up the heat even further by inviting men from both Saint Kitts and Nevis to join her dancers on stage. It was audacious move that whipped the audience into a frenzy.
Having grown up on old dancehall and reggae, I was uber excited to see Barrington Levy perform. I was not disappointed!
During a post-performance interview he credited God for his unique talent and success that spans decades.
“What God provide for you, no one can take it. That’s what I’m trying to push in their heads, that’s what I’m promoting at the moment, God word because we’re coming into the end times now so people have to be careful and move towards God….im sure all of you see what’s going on in the world right now…. when Jah Jah Jah create it…”
He had these words of advice for fledgling artistes:
“Write songs with good messages, songs that stand the test of time. Write songs with substance and songs with meaning that could uplift people in a positive way… Bob Marley who establish music worldwide he preached positivity to the people and long after he’s gone his messages, all of the messages he put in place are still existing today so why would I go the other way? The only way I know is the righteous way and I will keep it that way.”
For reggae-dancehall artist Jah Vinci, what sets him apart is the depth and soul embedded in his music. “Songs with substance, songs with meaning, songs that come from the soul”—that’s how he describes his artistry. His approach isn’t just about rhythm, it’s also about resonance. With every release, he strives to deliver messages that connect deeply with listeners, especially those facing their own struggles. “I can be going through something and think it’s the worst, but there are millions who have it worse. So I bring the real to the music,” he shared. One of the most rewarding parts of his journey, he noted, is witnessing how fans react, whether it’s an old favourite like Virgin or new work, like Scream. That connection, he says, is what motivates him to keep going. As for what’s next? More music, more messages, and a continued journey rooted in authenticity.
Homegrown talent showed up and showed out on night two of the Saint Kitts Music Festival, proving that the Federation’s musical heartbeat is as strong as ever. From the moment Dejour hit the stage, the crowd was electrified, his commanding presence, vocal range, and stage confidence affirming why he’s one of the island’s fastest-rising stars. Your Caribbean Guide had the opportunity to speak with him briefly backstage, post-performance. We wanted to know about his approach if/when having to circumstances forces him to leave friends behind, as his star continues to rise.
“Wow, this is the first time I’ve ever heard that question and it’s such a serious question…I’ve had a few people I had to leave behind because they’re not necessarily with the motion, you know what I mean? There’s a saying, sometimes you have to leave the people to come back and help them, so I feel if you’re not pulling the weight, I have to leave you in order to come back and do something for you. There have been a few people I had to leave behind…”
Collin Wyatt, a beloved local favourite, brought a soulful energy that resonated deeply with longtime fans, blending smooth delivery with heartfelt lyrics. I’m almost ashamed to admit that it was my first time hearing his music and seeing him perform. Even so, he had me enthralled! IDeli Napi, with her powerful vocals and unapologetically Caribbean flair, delivered a performance that was both refreshing and rooted in culture.
Then came DJ Tero, who turned the energy all the way up, keeping the crowd moving between sets with seamless transitions and undeniable skill.
What sets him apart, he says, is his drive to keep evolving. “Just being different, being myself, and pushing to a next level that people think isn’t achievable, that’s what separates me,” he shared. His love for music took root in high school, sparked by the sounds of bus rides and local DJ crews. “Just hearing all the mixes and busses going to school is what inspired me… guys like Exclusive Entertainment, Empire Sounds, DJ Smoke, that’s how I started.”
But the path to becoming a full-time entertainer wasn’t always smooth. In 2019, he made the bold decision to leave his stable job in banking. “I went to my mom and said, ‘Hey Mommy, I think I’m gonna quit my job and go full-time as an entertainer.’ She looked at me like I was mad,” he recalled. “Then I went to my dad, and he said, ‘Well, if you think you could do it, then pursue your career.’” Despite the challenges that followed, including the arrival of COVID-19, DJ Tero never regretted the decision. Now, he’s not only commanding stages regionally and internationally, but also inspiring a generation. The moment his mother joined him on stage, visibly emotional, was a full-circle triumph, a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
Together, these artists reminded the audience that while the festival welcomes international icons, Saint Kitts’ talent can hold its own on any stage. Their performances were declarations of pride, passion, and artistic excellence.
If you’ve made it this far, you have a fair idea of all that you missed, so do yourselves a favour and start planning for next year. The 28th edition of the Saint Kitts Music Festival runs from June 25th to 27th.
See you there!
