Eighteen years after their legendary clash at Sting 2006, Vybz Kartel and Mavado share the stage again as Live Nation brings Gaza Vs Gully Live to The O2 Arena, London on September 9.
The 2006 showdown is remembered as one of dancehall’s most iconic lyrical battles, a cultural moment that pushed both artists to the peak of their fame. This time, the rivalry has turned into a collaboration, framed as a celebration of the genre rather than a confrontation.
The original Gaza vs Gully battle at Jamaica’s Sting festival in 2006 became a defining moment in dancehall, with fans choosing sides and the two camps dominating the scene for years. In 2026, both artists have spoken about growth and evolution; Vybz Kartel has described the reunion as “history redeeming itself as opposed to repeating itself”, emphasising a joint celebration rather than a rematch.
After London, both artists are scheduled to headline Freedom Street Europe in Malta from 10–13 September 2026, performing on consecutive nights at the festival dedicated to dancehall, reggae and Caribbean culture.
An official after-party is also advertised at LA Lounge (Hacienda) in east London on the night of the show, running from 10 PM to 5 AM.
