Vybz Kartel pushes for unity following a heated feud between Skatta Burrell and Popcaan at his Freedom Street concert.

The dancehall legend returned to the stage after thirteen years with a nostalgic performance at the National Stadium on New Year’s Eve night. Vybz Kartel had a lot of support guests at the show, including Busta Rhymes, Spice, Shatta Wale, Skillibeng, and former members of his Portmore Empire outfit. But one incident involving Popcaan almost being denied entry into the venue cast a cloud over an otherwise fun-filled night.

After taking the stage with Chronic Law in the early morning on New Year’s Day, Popcaan immediately insulted Skatta Burrell, one of the production managers of the event. According to the Unruly Boss, he and the Lawboss were held up at the gate for three hours before they were able to enter the venue. Both dancehall stars took turns disrespecting the show’s promoters, Skatta and Joe Bogdanovich.

“Skatta s–k yuh mada yute!” Popcaan said on stage. “If a never Kartel mi gah mi yard. Wah make unnuh have me and Chronic Law outta door fi three hours? A wah make unnuh a hold down the native dem? Don’t do that to we yute!”

“Look how unno a mash up the ting!” said Vybz Kartel as a fight broke out on stage during his #FreedomStreet concert at the National Stadium in St Andrew. It is unclear at this time what started the altercation. #GLNREnt pic.twitter.com/DCrFeAjJtB

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) January 1, 2025

After Popcaan briefly went backstage, a fight seemingly broke out backstage between opposing sides, leaving Kartal pleading not to “mashup mi thing.” Skatta Burrell, who was clearly hurt by Popcaan remarks, has since responded via a video statement posted on his Instagram page. Without going into details about what went down backstage, Skatta warned the St. Thomas deejay about disrespecting his mother, who is fighting for her life in the hospital.

Vybz Kartel has since sent a birthday shoutout to Skatta Burrell amid the melee at his Freedom Street show, signaling he is not taking sides even if Popcaan is one of his faithful students. “Happy Belated Birthday to mi Breda @skattaburrell More Life n Blessing mi Capricorn LINK!” Kartel wrote while sharing a photo of himself and the music producer. Kartel also celebrates his birthday this month when he turns 49 on January 7th.