No war, just good vibes Dancehall fans thrilled to see Kartel, Mavado unite

For one couple, Vybz Kartel and Mavado’s historic reunion was more than just a dancehall experience, it was a full-circle moment.

After watching the artistes’ infamous clash at Sting in 2008 as boyfriend and girlfriend, Kim and Clerence Salmon returned to witness history being rewritten, this time as husband and wife. They were among the first patrons to arrive at Plantation Cove in St Ann on Saturday for A Taste of Sumfest, eager to see the two dancehall giants share the stage in unity during the Gully-Gaza segment.

As she sat on the lawn with her husband behind her, rocking to the music playing across the venue sometime around 5 p.m., Kim explained to THE STAR that the reunion held special meaning for both of them.

“There was a lot of tension at that time over Portmore at Sting. But me and him was boyfriend and girlfriend but now them make peace and unity and that’s good, so we had to come,” she said. Kim explained that while she and Clerence are both Gaza supporters, they went to Sting separately that year.

“He went by himself and I went with my crew but we were both Gaza. But tonight, we are looking for good vibes and good music from Mavado. Mi want to hear ‘Deh ya pon the gully side’,” she said. And from Vybz Kartel?

“Look, mi like many a Kartel song dem because mi is a Kartel fan,” she said. Clerence explained that Saturday’s atmosphere carried a different energy from the tension surrounding the 2008 clash.

“The unity is excellent and makes us feel comfortable and I really like it. I am looking forward to see both deejays but I am Gaza,” he said.

Kim shared that the couple, who have been together for 23 years and married for five, were fortunate to have their children join them for the historic occasion. Their daughter Karia and her husband, Terado Reid, who were visiting the island, explained that their trip dates were carefully planned so they could experience the show.

“We saw Vybz in Canada before but I have never seen Mavado. So it’s definitely a good time to be here for it and I am looking forward to all the performances we are here for everything,” Karia explained. Terado added that witnessing the reunion was an opportunity he could not miss.

“This is Vybz Kartel and Mavado clash and I am fan of both but we are here to witness unity ... it’s all about unity,” he shared.

Other patrons in the crowd experienced the original Sting showdown and returned nearly two decades later to witness the change in the relationship between the two artistes. For Terre-Ann Terrelonge from Portmore, St Catherine, the 2008 clash remains unforgettable, recalling “the clash was very entertaining and had everyone on edge”. Declaring herself ‘team Gaza’, Terrelonge said she was proud to see how far both artistes had come, while still being forces in dancehall.

“I am honestly so proud of the growth and maturity between both artistes. As one of Kartel’s number-one fans, it is gratifying to see him changing and honouring God in all that he does,” she said.

Artiste and producer Diallo Syndicate, another Jamaican who returned home to witness the historic reunion, recalled the anticipation surrounding the 2008 clash.

“I was around 22 ... 23. It was climatic, the energy leading up to it was crazy, so the clash is where it all boiled over at Sting in Portmore,” he said. But, with the atmosphere now focused on unity rather than rivalry, Diallo said he had to be present, “I was supporting both Gully and Gaza and this was my era, so I had to be a part of history.”

For Diallo, the reunion was something he believed was destined to happen.

“As it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end,” he ended. That same sentiment was reflected on stage as Vybz Kartel and Mavado delivered hit after hit during their approximately two-hour set. In one poignant moment, Vybz Kartel said, “Mek mi show you how God real. All a the feud wah mi and this man go through, this a the first song we ever do,” before the two performed their track Happiest Days.