Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has hinted at a possible performance in Kenya before the end of the year, saying discussions with Kenyan promoters are ongoing.
Speaking during an interview with Onstage TV Jamaica on Saturday, August 29, 2026, the dancehall star said he was hopeful of making his way to Kenya, where he has built a strong following over the years.
Kartel, who has often referred to himself as Kenyan because of the support he receives from the country, suggested that conversations with promoters had reached a stage where a visit could happen this year.
“Hopefully this year we are in dialogue with the Kenyans. ’Cause I’m officially one, so hopefully this year I’ll come,” he said.
Kartel’s connection with Kenya
The latest comments come at a time when the artiste’s popularity in Kenya has continued to attract attention. In August 2026, reports showed that Nairobi had become one of Kartel’s biggest cities for YouTube views globally, with the Kenyan capital reportedly recording more views of his music than Kingston, Jamaica.
His songs have also remained popular among Kenyan dancehall fans, helping strengthen the connection he has spoken about on several occasions.
Kartel’s remarks therefore give fresh hope to fans who have been waiting for him to perform in the country, although no concert date, venue or promoter has been officially announced.
Earlier Kenya concert rumours
The latest development also comes months after rumours circulated online that Kartel would perform in Kenya and other East African countries.
In March 2026, posters advertising a supposed East African tour made rounds on social media, with claims that the artiste would perform in the region in May. Kartel, however, moved to distance himself from the reports, saying neither he nor his management had been involved in organising the shows.
At the time, he warned fans and promoters against treating the circulating posters as official announcements.
“No East African shows have been announced or confirmed by my team,” Kartel said.
He further advised fans to rely on his verified platforms and authorised representatives for information about his performances.
While Kartel’s latest comments are different from his earlier response to the rumours, they do not yet amount to a confirmed Kenyan concert. The artiste said that he was in dialogue with Kenyan promoters and expressed hope that he would make the trip this year.
