Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel performs at Reggae Land 2026 in the United Kingdom. /SCREENGRAB
Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has once again won over his Kenyan fan base after declaring himself "actually Kenyan" during a headline performance at Reggae Land 2026 in the United Kingdom.
The self-styled "World Boss", whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, made the remark while performing before a crowd of more than 60,000 people at the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Sunday night.
While acknowledging the festival's large African audience, Kartel mentioned several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi and Kenya, before telling the cheering crowd: "I was born in Jamaica, but I'm actually Kenyan."
The comment quickly gained traction online, especially among Kenyan fans who have long embraced the dancehall star and continue to rank among his biggest supporters.
Kartel has, over the years, maintained a close connection with Kenya despite never changing his nationality. He has frequently spoken about his admiration for the country, referred to himself as both Jamaican and Kenyan, worn clothing inspired by Kenya and occasionally used Swahili phrases while interacting with fans.
His music continues to enjoy strong support in Nairobi, which remains one of his leading streaming markets. Even during his incarceration, Kenyan fans kept his music alive, cementing his influence across the country's dancehall scene.
Beyond his music, Kartel's impact has been felt in Kenya's urban culture, with his style influencing local dancehall artistes and elements of the Gengetone movement, including fashion, slang and street culture.
Some youth groups in Nairobi have also adopted the name "Gaza" in tribute to the entertainer's famed crew.
Kartel headlined the final day of Reggae Land 2026 with a 90-minute performance, making his first appearance at what organisers described as the festival's biggest edition yet.
He treated fans to a catalogue of hits, including Fever, Summertime and Wine to the Top, before sharing the stage with fellow Jamaican star Shenseea for the first live performance of their collaboration, Panic.
The festival also featured performances by reggae and dancehall heavyweights Shaggy, Beenie Man and Morgan Heritage.
During the show, Kartel also appeared to suggest that his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, is expecting the couple's first child together.
