Vybz Kartel declares ‘I’m actually Kenyan’ at UK festival
Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel delighted his large 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 declaration while performing before more than 60,000 fans at Milton Keynes National Bowl on Sunday night.
Acknowledging the festival’s large African following, Kartel named 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 remark quickly went viral among Kenyan fans, who have maintained a strong connection with the dancehall star despite his Jamaican nationality.
Kartel has frequently expressed admiration for Kenya, occasionally describing himself as both Jamaican and Kenyan, wearing Kenya-inspired clothing and using Swahili phrases when engaging with fans.
His music has also remained hugely popular in Kenya, with Nairobi among his strongest streaming markets.
His influence extends beyond music, shaping aspects of local dancehall culture, fashion, slang and street identity.
His famed “Gaza” brand has also found resonance among some Nairobi youth groups, while elements of his style have influenced local artistes and the wider Gengetone movement.
Kartel headlined the final day of Reggae Land 2026 with a 90-minute performance at what organisers described as the festival’s biggest edition.
He thrilled fans with hits including Fever, Summertime and Wine to the Top, before joining fellow Jamaican singer Shenseea for the first live performance of their collaboration, Panic.
The festival also featured performances from reggae and dancehall heavyweights Shaggy, Beenie Man and Morgan Heritage.
Kartel’s appearance marked another major milestone in his career following his release from prison and return to international stages.
During the performance, the entertainer also appeared to hint that his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, is expecting their first child together, adding another talking point to an already memorable night.
