Were Vybz Kartel and Spice together? Dancehall stars reunite on stage for first time in 13 years

Dancehall recording artist, singer, and songwriter Spice and Jamaican Dancehall Deejay Vybz Kartel have a personal and professional relationship spanning nearly two decades. As per Spice's interview with Red Bull Music in March 202, the two share a "special bond" despite never having had a romantic relationship.

The two artists reunited at Kartel's New Year's Eve Concert after 13 years apart. Spice took to Instagram on December 31, 2024, to share news of the reunion, saying,

"Reunited after 13 years apart. Tonight @vybzkartel and I are back together on one stage #FreedomStreet #KingandQueen"

Spice's post featured images of her embracing Vybz and giving him a peck on his cheek, a video of their rehearsal performance, and a reel that showcased her running towards Vybz to greet him.

After videos of his recent concert went viral on the internet, fans were quick to notice the closeness between the deejay and Spice, supporting their friendship and wondering if the two share a romantic connection.

As per Spice's March 2020 interview with Red Bull Music, the two have known each other before they achieved fame. While talking about how they became friends, Spice said,

"Vybz Kartel and I, we knew each other before the fame. We both come from Portmore. When he was trying to make a name for himself and I was trying to make a name for myself, we used to go to stage shows anywhere we coulda find it."

More about Vybz Kartel's first concert after 13 years of jail time

Vybz Kartel's Freedom Street concert at National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica, was his first concert after he was served a 13-year prison sentence for the murder of his associate Clive "Lizard" Williams in 2011.

The Jamaican deejay was arrested in 2011 with three other men. Vybz was originally sentenced to 35 years in prison, which was later reduced to 32 and six months.

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In March 2024, the case was heard in the UK's privy council, which is used as Jamaica's final court of appeal. As per The Guardian, Lord Lloyd-Jones quashed the original conviction because of alleged bribery attempts by one of the original jurors, and the case was passed back to the court of appeal in Jamaica. After the case reached Jamaica, a judge decided to not go forward with a new trial and released Vybz from prison.

Ahead of his comeback concert, the Jamaican deejay spoke to the New York Times on why the show was important, noting that a "whole generation of people" never saw him perform live.

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