Bounty Killer honours Vybz Kartel in moving tribute at Freedom Street
The Freedom Street concert was more than a celebration of music; it was a moment of redemption, inspiration, and camaraderie.
In one of the night’s most poignant segments, dancehall legend Bounty Killer took the stage to pay tribute to Vybz Kartel.
“It’s a happy, happy, happy New Year,” Bounty Killer declared, his voice filled with emotion as he reflected on Kartel’s journey. “We envisioned this moment, you know. Long time, you know. To all the people who held the faith, remember—God is great. Say it with me: God is great!”
Kartel returned to the stage after spending 13 years behind bars on Tuesday, December 31 at the National Stadium.
For Bounty Killer, this was not just a performance but a triumph. “They tried to take your life, and God gave you a brand-new one,” he proclaimed. “Brand new year. Brand new life. Brand new success.”
Bounty Killer’s words depicted his admiration for Kartel, whom he described as “phenomenal.” He reminisced about the first time Ron Butler introduced Kartel to him. “I said, this man is a lyrical genius,” Bounty shared. “Nuff producers, gal, and boy never believed us. And now he’s proven himself. He’s the father.”
With pride, Bounty celebrated Kartel’s accomplishments, highlighting his achievements in dancehall. “You built your own, independently. The only man who never signed to an international label and still earned gold and silver—while being a prisoner. A king has risen. Remember that.”
Bounty urged the crowd. “Don’t sell your soul. Heart and soul is the goal.”
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In a touching display of mutual respect, Kartel responded by acknowledging the influence Bounty Killer had on his career. “We learn from the best,” Kartel declared. “We learn from the best.”
The exchange between the two underscored a deeper message about the importance of mentorship and legacy in dancehall. Bounty Killer, often called the “Warlord,” has been instrumental in nurturing countless artists, including Kartel, who has gone on to inspire a new generation, reminder that dancehall is not just about music—it’s about storytelling, survival, and a shared cultural identity.
As Bounty Killer closed his tribute with gratitude to Jamaica for supporting young talent, he left the crowd with an empowering message: “All of the people who believe in faith and hope, keep believing. Vybz Kartel is living proof that talent, hard work, and faith can overcome anything.”
After a moment of mutual admiration between dancehall legends Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel, another product of their immense influence, Tommy Lee Sparta, took the stage to pay homage to the entertainers.
Following his performance, Tommy Lee Sparta addressed thousands of Kartel fans gathered at the National Stadium, lauding the “World Boss” for his “good heart and soul.”
The “Holding Out the Pressure” artiste, who hails from Montego Bay, shared how Kartel had spotted his potential and encouraged him to move to Kingston to pursue his career. Tommy Lee affectionately referred to Kartel as his “daddy” and Bounty Killer as the “grandfather” of his musical journey.
By Anthony Henry
