Vybz Kartel previews God and Time album at intimate Jamaica listening party

Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel welcomed specially invited guests to an intimate listening party for his new album God and Time, offering an early look at tracks ahead of the summer season.

Kartel arrived late to the session and missed a giveaway of posters, cakes and other memorabilia, but said he was ready to sign items for fans. He described the event as a space to set pride aside and hear selections from the project, which he said is being well received across Jamaica.

Asked which tracks suit the summer, Kartel named God and Time as his favourite on the album. He also highlighted Senor, Literally Gyal Outta Road, Spice's Confession and Mavado's High Life as strong seasonal picks.

On reuniting with Mavado after a long break from working together, Kartel said the process felt natural. He recalled linking up with the artist at a DJ Khaled event after returning to the United States and said their renewed connection was not forced.

Kartel said the album marks a shift toward a calmer, more family-oriented tone, driven by maturity and a fresh outlook on life while keeping dancehall's core formula of rhymes, lyrics and Jamaican bravado.

The project features Farruko, Wizkid, Spice, Shenseea and Mavado. Kartel said the Farruko collaboration reflected the cultural ties between dancehall and reggaeton across the Caribbean. He framed work with Wizkid as part of bridging the gap between the diaspora and the origins of the music.

On the Mavado feature, Kartel pointed to growth and unity. He noted that he and Mavado had reshaped dancehall roughly a decade and a half ago and said their return together carried a message of love amid ongoing tension in the genre.

Kartel also spoke with emotion about his daughter's graduation, saying he shed tears of joy. He said he had never attended any of his children's graduations before, as they were already grown when he returned. He praised parents who support their children and expressed pride in his daughter.

He credited God first for the album's momentum and thanked fans and supporters who turned out for the listening session.