Advertisement
Vybz Kartel coming to Kenya: Why the Dancehall star has a soft spot for Kenya
30th August, 2026 11:56 PM
Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel could be headed to Kenya before the end of 2026, but his interest in the country goes beyond a possible concert.
The “World Boss” recently revealed that he is in talks with Kenyan promoters, raising hopes among thousands of fans who have followed his music for years.
Speaking during an interview with Onstage TV Jamaica on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Kartel said he was hopeful of visiting Kenya before the year ends, describing himself as one of the country’s own.
“Hopefully this year we are in dialogue with the Kenyans. ’Cause I’m officially one, so hopefully this year I’ll come,” he said.
While no concert date, venue or promoter has been announced, the comments have renewed attention on Kartel’s unusual connection with Kenya.
Kartel loves Kenya
Kartel has repeatedly shown affection for Kenya, with his latest remarks being the latest in a series of moments that have strengthened his relationship with his Kenyan fanbase.
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the dancehall star declared himself Kenyan during his headline performance at Reggae Land 2026 at the Milton Keynes National Bowl in the United Kingdom.
Addressing more than 60,000 festivalgoers, Kartel acknowledged several African countries represented at the event before making the declaration.
“I was born in Jamaica, but I’m actually Kenyan,” he told the crowd.
The comment drew cheers and quickly gained attention online, particularly among his Kenyan fans.
Although Kartel was born in Portmore, Jamaica, and remains Jamaican by nationality, he has repeatedly referred to himself as both Jamaican and Kenyan.
His connection with the country has been strengthened by the way Kenyan fans have embraced his music, with many idolising the dancehall star and identifying strongly with his style, lyrics and influence.
Kenya embraced Kartel
Kartel has maintained a strong following in Kenya for years, with his music becoming deeply embedded in the country’s reggae and dancehall culture.
His popularity has also been reflected in streaming figures. In August 2026, reports indicated that Nairobi had overtaken Kingston, Jamaica, as Kartel’s top city for YouTube views, highlighting the scale of his audience in the Kenyan capital.
According to YouTube Charts, Nairobi generated an astonishing 87.6 million views of Vybz Kartel’s music over the past year, comfortably ahead of Kingston’s 59.1 million views
His influence can be seen beyond streaming numbers.
In Nairobi, the name Gaza, associated with Kartel’s movement in Jamaica, has been adopted by some street groups and fans as a nod to the artiste.
Kenyan fans have also embraced his songs, fashion and dancehall style, while his use of Swahili and repeated references to Kenya have further strengthened the bond.
For a generation that grew up listening to reggae and dancehall, Kartel became more than a Jamaican artiste. His music became part of the soundtrack of Kenyan youth culture.
His influence has also extended to local artistes, particularly within Kenya’s dancehall and Gengetone scenes, where his sound, slang and visual style have been referenced and adapted over the years.
Visit long-awaited
Kartel’s possible Kenya visit would mark a significant moment for fans who have waited years to see him perform locally.
His relationship with Kenyan fans remained strong even during his years of incarceration in Jamaica, when supporters continued streaming his music and celebrating his work.
The latest development follows an earlier wave of unconfirmed claims about an East African tour.
In March 2026, posters circulated online claiming that Kartel would perform in Kenya and other East African countries in May. He later distanced himself from the posters, saying neither he nor his management had announced or confirmed the shows.
His latest comments, however, are different.
Kartel has now personally acknowledged that discussions with Kenyan promoters are taking place and expressed hope that he will make the trip before the end of the year.
Author
William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
View all posts by William Muthama
