Shatta Wale, Ghana's dancehall sensation, has been the talk of the town since his performance at the historic Freedom Street Concert, held on December 31, 2024, in Kingston, Jamaica. The event marked the triumphant return of Vybz Kartel — the King of Dancehall — to the stage for the first time in 13 years.

The concert, hosted at the iconic Independence Park (National Stadium), drew a global audience, with fans traveling from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond to witness this monumental event. Among the stellar lineup, Shatta Wale stood out, earning high praise from Vybz Kartel, who referred to him as the "African King."

Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, made his dramatic entrance just before midnight, setting the tone for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. The energy in the venue was electric as multi-generational fans, including those from Jamaica and across the diaspora, celebrated his return.

Shatta Wale’s performance was a highlight of the night, cementing his status as a global dancehall icon. Kartel, sharing snippets of Wale's performance on social media, captioned it with the now-viral phrase, "AFRICAN KING SHATTAWALE 👑 🙏🏾🥂🍾💯." The acknowledgment resonated deeply with fans, further solidifying Wale's impact on the genre.



The concert featured an array of stars who paid tribute to Kartel’s legendary career. Jamaican dancehall acts like Skillibeng, Popcaan, Jah Vinci, Shawn Storm, Tommy Lee Sparta, and Skeng delivered captivating performances. Vybz Kartel’s sons, Likkle Addi and Likkle Vybz, celebrated their father’s return with heartfelt performances that underscored his enduring influence.

International icons also graced the stage, with hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes and dancehall pioneer Bounty Killer contributing electrifying medleys of their biggest hits. Producer RVSSIAN added his magic touch to the night, ensuring a flawless show.

Shatta Wale’s presence at the concert not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also showcased the unity and global appeal of dancehall music. As fans continue to revel in the memories of the Freedom Street Concert, one thing is clear: the King of Dancehall has returned, and he’s sharing his throne with deserving icons like Shatta Wale.

This unforgettable night solidified Shatta Wale's place on the international stage and reaffirmed Vybz Kartel’s enduring legacy in dancehall history.