Gaza Nation ready for Kartel-Mavado reunion at Sumfest

Waterford, Portmore, the community that gave birth to dancehall heavyweight Vybz Kartel, is buzzing with anticipation as residents prepare for what could become one of the defining moments in dancehall history — the reunion of Kartel and Mavado on the Reggae Sumfest 2026 stage.

For members of the self-proclaimed Gaza Nation, the long-awaited appearance represents more than a concert performance. Many see it as a celebration of growth, maturity and the lasting impact of two artistes whose music shaped an era.

Richard Palmer, a Waterford resident of more than 46 years and a relative of Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, said excitement has been steadily building in the community.

“The energy is good leading up to the Sumfest link-up,” said Palmer. “Normally mi get tickets fi give people from the block fi go, so them always ready fi go see them deejay.”

According to Palmer, the anticipation surrounding the performance has also sparked renewed interest in Waterford itself, with efforts under way to highlight the community and its connection to Kartel.

“Even yesterday we had a link up with Bright Light and Mad Sus because the Adidja Palmer Foundation a guh start do some upgrading pon the block. We a try turn the place into a tourist visiting site.”

Kartel and Mavado sharing a stage marks a significant moment after years of tension surrounding the Gully-Gaza rivalry, which once dominated dancehall conversations and divided supporters across Jamaica. The feud became one of the most talked-about clashes in modern dancehall before both artistes moved away from the hostility associated with that period.

Palmer believes that era has passed and that both artistes, along with their fans, have evolved.

“The youth them from that time grow too. Remember the deejay say God and time, so people are maturing with the DJ. It’s music and them time deh with the Gully versus Gaza, the two artiste dem did have a younger mindset and a put themselves out there. Now them a two international artiste, so dem diss clash deh nuh fit them image now. It’s the professional side we a get.”

He said the upcoming performance should not be viewed through the lens of the old rivalry but instead as an opportunity to celebrate their contributions to the culture.

“This Sumfest is not going to be about the rivalry or the feud. It ago be about the legacy them create, the mastery and maturity in the kind of music them a do now. We nah look pon the crowd railing on behalf of Gaza or Gully. The fans dem just ago come out and go down memory lane and appreciate dancehall music.”

With thousands expected to attend Reggae Sumfest at Plantation Cove, St Ann, the possibility of seeing Kartel and Mavado share the spotlight has already become one of the festival’s biggest attractions.

Long-time Waterford resident Kirk Ellis said support for Kartel has remained strong throughout the years.

“Waterford always ready. Once it involve the deejay, a bus load a people always a go fi support.”

Ellis praised Kartel’s ability to maintain relevance and grow his brand despite challenges.

“Overall Vybz Kartel talented and creative, so him know how fi market himself and him brand from dem time deh, so a bigger and better things him a do now.”

He said the artiste’s focus has shifted away from conflict and towards personal growth and community involvement.

“The clash thing done wid and him a focus pon doing bigger things, helping people here and spending more time with him family.”

Reflecting on Kartel’s years behind bars, Ellis added, “A 13 years wasted and him would’ve reach much further if him did have that time.”

For Ellis, the Gully-Gaza reunion represents progress and togetherness.