ST. ANN, Jamaica — Dancehall icons Vybz Kartel and Mavado shared the stage at A Taste of Reggae Sumfest 2026, marking their first performance together since 2008.
The special one-day event took place on July 18, 2026, at Plantation Cove, St. Ann, after hurricane damage made Catherine Hall in Montego Bay unavailable for this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest.
The rivalry between Kartel and Mavado emerged in the mid-2000s and quickly became one of the most influential feuds in dancehall history. Kartel led the Gaza movement, while Mavado became the face of Gully. Their lyrical clashes dominated Jamaican music, inspired countless songs, and divided fans into two camps. Although the rivalry remained primarily musical, tensions surrounding the Gaza-Gully era contributed to clashes among some supporters, prompting public appeals for peace from government officials, community leaders, and members of the music industry.
Despite the rivalry, both artists went on to become two of dancehall’s most successful international performers, earning global recognition and influencing a new generation of artists.
Their reunion at A Taste of Reggae Sumfest 2026 attracted widespread attention from reggae and dancehall media, with photos and videos from the performance quickly circulating across social media. The event also featured performances by Queen Ifrica, Shawn Storm, Jamal, Harry Toddler, Marcy Chin, Ayetian, and Young Wild Apache.
Key Facts: A Taste of Reggae Sumfest 2026 was held on July 18, 2026, at Plantation Cove, St. Ann, Jamaica. Vybz Kartel and Mavado performed on the same stage for the first time since 2008, ending an 18-year absence from sharing a live stage. While the reunion marked a historic moment for dancehall fans, no official announcement was made regarding future collaborations, new music, or a joint tour.
The reunion stands as one of the defining moments of the 2026 reggae and dancehall calendar, bringing together two artists whose rivalry helped shape an era and whose appearance on the same stage marked a significant chapter in the genre’s history.
What’s Next for Kartel & Mavado?
Following their reunion at A Taste of Reggae Sumfest 2026, Vybz Kartel and Mavado are scheduled to share the stage again later this year.
Their next confirmed performance is Gaza vs Gully at The O2 Arena in London, England, on September 9, 2026, marking their first UK performance together since their reunion.
They are also confirmed to headline Freedom Street Europe 2026 in Malta from September 10–13, 2026. The festival will feature two nights of Gaza vs Gully performances, with Kartel and Mavado appearing together as the main attractions. Organizers have promoted the event as the European-exclusive staging of the Gaza vs Gully reunion.
These performances will be the first confirmed international appearances featuring both artists together since their historic reunion at A Taste of Reggae Sumfest 2026.