The edition 2026 Reggae Sumfest closed an important chapter in the history of dancehall by bringing together on the same stage again in Jamaica two icons of the genre who forged its development: Vybz Kartel Y Mavado.
Before more than 35 thousand souls that crowded into Plantation Cove in Saint Ann, the location that especially hosted this edition, Both figures presented an expected show whose seal was focused on unity, far from the historical rivalry that for decades placed them as “enemies” musicals and that forged an entire generation of followers on each side, Gaza v/s Gully.
It was past 2 in the morning when - with a deafening ovation and fireworks- Mavado dressed in all black and Vybz Kartel in military attire, They appeared on stage to start a performance that recalled their outfits from the last time they were together live., at Reggae Sting Festival 2008, make 18 years ago.
View this publication in Instagram
“This is history, per", declared Mavado while Kartel commented that “We're going to give them something they've never seen yet.”.
The presentation of both artists was the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new chapter. The unit, Hugs and fraternal handshakes marked a performance where they reviewed their iconic classics for approximately an hour and a half., with issues such “The Real McKoy”, “Real Deal” Y “Send A Hell”.
Even when they sang songs born from a “lyrical war” of more than two decades, both artists often completed each other's lyrics, embracing the shared legacy they helped create.
Mavado performed audience favorite songs, as “Chat Too Much”, “Weh Dem A Do”, “Warn you”, “Top Shatta Nah Miss” Y “Amazing Grace”, without leaving out inflatables from the female repertoire such as “When You Feel Lonely”, “Bicycle”, “Ever Blessed”, “Squeeze Breast”, “Never Believe You” Y “Come into my Room”.
Kartel, for his part, unleashed one success after another with songs like “Where They’re Going”, “Gaza Army”, “Never Scared”, “Broad Daylight”, “Done”, “Kill Them All”, Y “Murder Reports”, “Hope and Pray”, “God Is the Greatest”, Y “Thank Yuh Jah”, while he charmed his female audience with songs like “Ramping Shop”, “Virginity”, “Love Dem”, “Come Home”, “Picture Me & You”, Y “Beg You (A Touch)”.
The closing of the day had a perfect seal when Kartel and Mavado performed “Happiest Days”, their first collaboration released in 2006. What happened on Saturday marks a precedent for this new chapter in history, since in September both artists will perform together for the first time in London.
Dancehall as the center of the festival
This edition was marked by changes in its usual format. “A taste of Reggae Sumfest” It was held for one night only and had dancehall as the protagonist of its version 2026.
Earlier that night, the artists Shauna Check Y Marcy Chin were the female representatives of the contest along with Queen Ifrica, who presented the only reggae set of the night with his characteristic message against child abusers and calling for the care of children.
In his second participation in the event, the Montego Bay artist Jamal captivated the public again with hits like “Ballandor” Y “Millions”. Likewise, Young Wild Apache dominated the stage in his second appearance at Sumfest. Verses, the emerging Haitian-Jamaican artist who has caused a sensation and who is currently promoting his new EP “Jampack”, he wasted energy in his performance. Shawn Storm, from the Gaza Empire collective, also went on stage.
It should be noted that during the day a minute of silence was observed in memory of the Rastafari reggae singer. Fantan Mojah, died a few days before the event. The usual environment, loaded with energy, led to a moment of reflection: with hundreds of mobile phone flashlights shining in the dark, a brief tribute was paid to the outstanding artist on the screens. He also did so Harry Toddler in his presentation, who dedicated heartfelt words and a song in his memory as part of his show.
