FREEDOM STREET // Observing the Unstoppable Influence of Dancehall Music
For the second time in the past 6 years, we've witnessed the historic release and return to the stage of a dancehall legend at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Like the countdown to Buju Banton's "The Long Walk to Freedom" concert in 2019, the New Year's Eve "Freedom Street" show celebrating Vybz Kartel on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 was a must-see production for reggae and dancehall enthusiasts. After serving 13 years, Kartel (Adija Palmer) was released from incarceration on July 31, 2024. From that moment, this "first" performance has been anticipated. The excitement. The chatter. The suspense. The extreme FOMO for those not able to make it to Jamaica for the show (present company included). The focus on the island of Jamaica, attracting the who's-who of dancehall, music lovers, cultural supporters, music media, and patrons and supporters of reggae and dancehall who were eager to ring in their 2025 as one of the fortunate thousan...