Vybz Kartel to be crowned ‘King of the Dancehall’ at Reggae Sumfest 2025

One of the biggest moments of this year’s Reggae Sumfest will be the official coronation of dancehall icon Vybz Kartel as the new “King of the Dancehall”, promoters confirmed at the festival’s recent media launch.

The announcement was made by Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, during the launch event held at the Iberostar Hotel in St James.

“We are also crowning Vybz Kartel, that’s a big deal!” Bogdanovich told the Jamaica Observer.

The symbolic crowning comes more than a decade after Beenie Man received the same honor at Reggae Sumfest 2009, complete with robe and crown. But Bogdanovich suggested that it’s time to pass the torch.

“Kings come and go. They can’t be a king all the time,” he said.

The 32nd edition of Reggae Sumfest is set for July 13–19, transforming Montego Bay into a cultural hotspot with seven events spread across the week. The festival will culminate in two major concert nights at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex.

The 2025 lineup boasts an eclectic mix of local and international stars, including Toni Braxton, Vybz Kartel, Tarrus Riley, Masicka, Protoje, and Tommy Lee Sparta, among others.