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Over 5000 turn out for Vybz Kartel show!

- ‘Youthful’ Vybz Kartel captivated large crowd @ Black on Black Concert
Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, put on a youthful and energetic performance that gave the over five thousand patrons more than their monies’ worth at the Black on Black Concert on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Photo: Team of Reporters
Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has not lost his ability to draw large crowds to his performances. Photo: NobleInk/Facebook
Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has not lost his ability to draw large crowds to his performances. Photo: NobleInk/Facebook
From left: Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Kyle J. Ricketts aka ‘Scoop’ and former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock at the Black on Black Concert featuring Vybz Kartel on March 15, 2025. Photo: Team of Reporters
From left: Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Kyle J. Ricketts aka ‘Scoop’ and former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock at the Black on Black Concert featuring Vybz Kartel on March 15, 2025. Photo: Team of Reporters
The venue on Wickham’s Cay I proved to be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the more than five thousand persons who showed up to see the legend, Vybz Kartel, and other artistes in action. Photo: NobleInk/Facebook
The venue on Wickham’s Cay I proved to be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the more than five thousand persons who showed up to see the legend, Vybz Kartel, and other artistes in action. Photo: NobleInk/Facebook
Some patrons did not miss the opportunity to get a photo with the 'World Boss' Vybz Kartel. Photo: Team of Reporters
Some patrons did not miss the opportunity to get a photo with the 'World Boss' Vybz Kartel. Photo: Team of Reporters
WICKHAM’S CAY I, Tortola, VI- Although now 49 years of age, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, put on a youthful and energetic performance that gave the over five thousand patrons more than their monies’ worth at the Black on Black Concert on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

The memorable event, organised by Yolo Promotions, was held behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex. The venue proved to be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the more than five thousand persons who showed up to see the legend and other artistes in action.

Additionally, there was about another thousand persons on the outside watching the show through the fence or on top of their vehicles. 

Kartel captivates!

For two hours, Vybz Kartel commanded the attention of the crowd, many of whom had their phones out to ensure they caught the memorable moment. This is the first time Vybz Kartel performed outside of Jamaica since being released from prison.

The ‘World Boss’ dished out some of his popular hits that made him regarded as a global dancehall superstar and certainly brought back vivid memories of him in his younger days.

He also collaborated with Jah Vinci and Rvssian to add more energy and variety to the on-stage performance.

Variety of artistes

Earlier, patrons were treated to performances by local artistes Priceless, Banco Bizmol, Monae, Sister Joyce, and Revelation Deh Royal. Each of the supporting artistes had their own crowd following.

The hyped lyrics of Skillibeng and the conscious music of Jah Vinci also added to the flavour of an unforgettable night on Tortola.

Patrons were pleasantly surprised by the performance of Pressure and particularly gravitated and gyrated to his song, ‘Virgin Islands Nice’.

Premier Wheatley takes to stage!

Premier and Minister of Finance, with the portfolio for Tourism, also took to the stage but just to give a few words.
“It’s good to have a legend in the house…God is the Greatest,” Dr Wheatley, who had received severe criticism from some members of society for sponsoring the show, remarked.

The show was reportedly violence-free and well-organised, except for a few hiccups with the microphone system.

In the end, despite all the resistance to the show by some persons in the community, the event has been hailed by many of those who attended as a success.

33 Responses to “Over 5000 turn out for Vybz Kartel show!”

  • resident (16/03/2025, 14:25) Like (39) Dislike (3) Reply
    next time don't use our tax money, private funds only
  • ....nah (16/03/2025, 14:32) Like (53) Dislike (4) Reply
    Da ain't 5k
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (16/03/2025, 14:38) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Yea, 5000 like minded patrons. In other word: "Birds (people that think similar, also do act similar) of a feather flock together.

    Waste of time, and our well needed finance, too.
  • Lb (16/03/2025, 14:50) Like (4) Dislike (28) Reply
    best show I have ever seen in a long-time thanks YOLO and Steve
  • Big Richard (16/03/2025, 14:50) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Couldn't have been a too much of a big time... No lines at the Porta-potties
  • local boy (16/03/2025, 15:01) Like (3) Dislike (31) Reply
    Yet, society never wanted 2 give him a chance.
    • Local boy comment (16/03/2025, 16:29) Like (50) Dislike (1) Reply
      Local boy, nobody wasn't against the guy doing his thing. We were and still are against our premier taking PUBLIC FUNDS to inject in it. That's our problem. Sponsor in other ways by giving certain concessions where appropriate. I'm home all weekend and no water running through my pipe since leaving home for work on Friday morning. It got something called priority and wise spending of noney that ain't yours.
  • great (16/03/2025, 15:02) Like (12) Dislike (37) Reply
    I enjoy every minute, my money well spent. When is the next one?
    • @great (16/03/2025, 16:30) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hope you ain't one coming this week come beg me for a lil change because your freezer empty
  • Wellsah (16/03/2025, 15:08) Like (51) Dislike (3) Reply
    from my view that was definitely not 5k people
  • Good for BVI. (16/03/2025, 15:15) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    On Google about one million views. Tik Tak 2 million views. The BVI won and our Local artists won. People who never heard of Tortola BVI now know, Great for our tourism product. Heard one Youtuber kept calling Ritical - Christopher Martin he really thought Ritical was Christopher Martin how good Ritical was.. So, don't be fooled by the turn out, this show was streamed all over the world and seen by millions. It worth the money
    • smh (16/03/2025, 16:43) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are lying. You just made up those numbers. You know its very easy to pull up view counts right???
    • @Good for BVI (16/03/2025, 17:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      good for couch surfers watching online who will never make it to the BVI.
    • Tola well known boss (16/03/2025, 23:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You deh saying this show let people who neva dida gear about Tortola know for the first time? I heard about Tortola and the br virgin islands when your premier got charged in Florida. I knew of other islands like St Kitts and Antigua, before, but the arrest of the man all over the news made me research the place. I took a day visit on a cruise because of it and I was interested in the Baths. You talk about how many tiktok views. My scrolls would help make up the figures but not that I looking for it . I just don't know what coming up next on the tread when I scrolling. Even if you watch for 2 seconds to see what the post about and then sceoll along, it will show as another viewer. I
    • Bullspit (17/03/2025, 00:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I just looked at youtube and thate are 28,000 views. I dont see where ANY tourism exposure is happening with this event c so stop the cap about 1 mililon views
  • Well (16/03/2025, 15:22) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    I think I would be right in saying members of the BVICC was not among the attendees. :-)
    • @ Well (16/03/2025, 15:56) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
      some were there from the churches, but we did not miss the pastors
  • bvi keeper (16/03/2025, 15:42) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    AI counts the crowd in the picture around 1000 not 5000
  • BuzzBvi (16/03/2025, 15:48) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    A success. Great. Can we have our $220,000 bavk now
  • Blind Sheep (16/03/2025, 15:52) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
    STOP USING GOD’S NAME IN VAIN TALKING ABOUT GOD IS THE GREATEST TO PROMOTE SINFUL BEHAVIOUR!!!!

    SOUND JUST LIKE THOSE CELEBRITIES WHO THANK GOD FOR AWARDS WHILE PROMOTING SEX, DRUGS, KILLING, ETC.

    IT IS BLASPHEMY!!!!!!!

    Isaiah's book begins with the Lord making a case in a kind of lawsuit or arraignment against His people Israel. God serves as both the prosecutor and the judge. He is laying out many of the ways in which the people of Israel have violated their covenant with the Lord (Isaiah 1:2).

    After calling the heavens and earth to serve as witnesses or jurors, the Lord sums up the charges: He has brought up Israel as His children, and they have rebelled against Him. Even stubborn donkeys understand who provides their food, but the people of Israel seem to lack this understanding, instead attempting to push away the One who gives them all they need to survive (Isaiah 1:3).

    At this point in her history, Israel is a nation saturated with iniquity. Each generation is born from evildoers and continues their corruption. By their sinfulness, they have estranged themselves from the Holy One of Israel, despising and forsaking Him (Isaiah 1:4).

    Isaiah asks why his people appear to want to be destroyed. Why else would they continue to live in rebellion? He describes the state of the nation as a kind of spiritual sickness. The head is sick, the heart faint, and the body is unsound. Even though covered with bruises, sores, and open wounds, she will not treat any of her injuries. The nation goes on as if nothing is wrong (Isaiah 1:5–6).

    That spiritual sickness has the nation on the path to physical destruction. Isaiah describes a time in Israel's future as if God's judgment has already fallen. The country has been decimated, and the cities are burned to the ground. Invading foreigners have destroyed everything in their path. The once great city of Jerusalem will fall like a hut in an unprotected field (Isaiah 1:7–8).

    Isaiah adds that if God had not spared a remnant of survivors, Israel would have been driven into extinction as Sodom and Gomorrah were (Isaiah 1:9–10).

    Isaiah begins to quote the Lord, who is not impressed with the offerings and sacrifices of the people of Judah. Their offerings, incense, and celebrations are meaningless and a burden to the Lord because of the rebellion and sinfulness in their hearts (Isaiah 1:11-15).

    The Lord tells the people to clean themselves by ending their sinful practices and beginning to do the good work of caring for the poor and the powerless among them. God promises to turn the stains of their sin as white as snow if they will repent. They will eat the "good of the land" if they obey. But If they refuse, they will become the food of the enemy's swords. (Isaiah 1:16-20)

    The once faithful city of Jerusalem was known for its justice. Now it has become like a prostitute by worshiping false gods. It has become famous for its injustice. Murderers walk free. The city's leaders hang out with thieves. Everything runs on bribes and corruption, leaving no hope for orphans and widows to receive justice (Isaiah 1:21-23).

    The Lord will remove the unfaithful from Israel, however. He will restore justice to Jerusalem. Those who repent will be redeemed. Those who do not will be broken and consumed (Isaiah 1:24-31).
  • Senior Citizen (16/03/2025, 15:59) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    To each his own but good gracious alyo young people taste in music horrible. But as long as alyo happy carry on!
  • Sardines (16/03/2025, 16:02) Like (6) Dislike (20) Reply
    There were definitely more than 5k. That photo was taken early in the night
  • No Hate (16/03/2025, 16:02) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    No being a hater but that was not 5,000 people. Can't be the same photos we seeing.
  • justin (16/03/2025, 16:14) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    mostly Jamdown citizens
  • Imagine just imagine (16/03/2025, 16:41) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Being in a crowd, attending after parties and jamming with wanted cold blooded killers lol
  • 4000 strong (16/03/2025, 17:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    DIDNT SEE THE FILIPINOES
  • Numbers (16/03/2025, 17:35) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    there was around 2000 people there no where near the 5000 claimed in the article
  • Voter 7-ELEVEN (16/03/2025, 17:42) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply

    Hope the show was worth the two hundred fifty thousand dollars while people in the rated programme still waiting to be paid. Local vendors to be paid struggling families can't pay rent much less buy food. Anyway the saying says when you find an @&& ride it and ride it well

  • @ Blind sheep (16/03/2025, 18:14) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    When you on the pulpit preaching about God is the greatest and as married men you leave church and whining on your side thing, what do you call that? Hypocrites, if God can forgive who are you.
  • Lb (16/03/2025, 23:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No where close to 5k so please stop the BS! Maybe 2k people. As the hotels still had rooms. So these broke people stayed on their friends couch and slept in go fast boats they came on. So these broke people attendees aren’t even the type of tourists that BVI goes after. And you all Premier up on stage proudly with a convicted murderer? Wow!


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