Vybz Kartel gets fit for Freedom Street

In preparation for an epic three-hour set at his much-anticipated Freedom Street concert, dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has been doubling down on fitness, hitting the 'kim' - as he calls the gym - twice a day to build the stamina for his return to the stage.

"I am in the kim because we nuh do gym, and we doing 'kimnastic', yoga and training every morning and evening," Kartel shared during a press conference held at Jangas Soundbar & Grill in St Andrew yesterday.

Freedom Street, which will be held at the National Stadium on New Year's Eve, will be the Fever hitmaker's first concert performance in 14 years. The event is being staged to celebrate the entertainer's release from prison after spending 13 years behind bars for a crime for which he was acquitted by the Court of Appeal in July. Kartel has promised an amazing night, which he said will be filled with a string of invigorating performances from local and international acts.

Kartel, who labelled himself 'King of the Dancehall', named international hip-hop artiste Busta Rhymes among the performers. He said that Spice, who he dubbed 'Queen of Dancehall', and Skillibeng, who he anointed as "the prince", will entertain patrons at the much-anticipated event. The line-up also includes his sons, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi, and former Gaza Empire members Popcaan and Sheba.

"This show will be something that not even the weather can prevent. It is going to be amazing," said the entertainer who has Graves' disease.

Organised in partnership with DownSound Entertainment, Freedom Street is expected to be a landmark event in dancehall. DownSound CEO Joe Bogdanovich sees it as a celebration of Kartel's legacy and resilience.

"Kartel's journey has not been easy but he has turned it into a legacy. [It is] one that resonates with his family, music and his community and he has proven that his greatness is more than just his talent but about his resilience and him reaching for the stars," Bogdanovich said.