19 September 2026
Few rivalries have shaped dancehall quite like Gaza vs Gully. What began as a lyrical clash between Vybz Kartel and Mavado became something much bigger, dividing listeners, dominating conversations and producing some of the genre’s most memorable records. Nearly two decades after their infamous showdown at Sting in Jamaica, the former rivals reunited at London’s O2 Arena not to reignite their feud but to celebrate everything it gave to dancehall.
By the time I arrive, Vybz Kartel is already taking the crowd through the classics and the atmosphere is immediately infectious. The arena feels lively, with people out of their seats, dancing and singing along as hit after hit fills the space. Despite being inside one of London’s biggest venues, there is a distinct Caribbean energy running through the crowd. For a moment, The O2 feels less like an arena and more like one huge dancehall party. Around 20,000 people have gathered to witness the pair bring Gaza vs Gully overseas for the first time. Entering to the unmistakable Anger Management Riddim, Kartel and Mavado spend more than 90 minutes revisiting the songs that made their rivalry such an important chapter in dancehall history.
The format allows both artists to dig deep into their catalogues, trading records from opposite sides of an era that once forced fans to choose their allegiance. Classics including ‘Real McKoy’, ‘Broad Daylight’, ‘So Special’, ‘Gangsta for Life’, ‘Nuh Fraid’, ‘Set Fi Mi Army’, ‘Real Badman’ and ‘Nuh Bleach Wid Cream’ remind the audience just how much music came out of that period.
However, although the show is promoted as an equal meeting between Gaza and Gully, the balance does not always feel completely even. Kartel regularly appears to take up more of the stage, both through his presence and the amount of space given to his song selection. His catalogue creates some of the night’s biggest reactions and as the performance progresses, it increasingly begins to feel like his show with Mavado beside him, rather than a true battle between two equal forces.
That does not mean Mavado is without his moments. His performance of ‘When You Feel Lonely’ is a personal highlight of the night. Hearing the record live, surrounded by thousands of people singing with him, captures the emotional side of his catalogue and provides a welcome change of pace. It is one of the moments where Mavado’s presence fully cuts through and reminds everyone why the Gully side of this story remains so important.
More significant than any imagined competition is the chemistry between them. At different points throughout the evening, it becomes clear that this is no longer about hostility. Their willingness to share the stage, exchange records and perform their recent collaboration ‘Hype Life’ reflects how far their relationship has moved on. A rivalry that once divided dancehall is now being repurposed as a celebration of its history.
The night also includes appearances from UK rappers Digga D and Chip, alongside DJ Khaled. Their presence demonstrates how far the influence of Jamaican dancehall travels. Bringing those different connections onto the same stage helps position the concert as more than a nostalgia exercise. It becomes a reminder of dancehall’s lasting relationship with British rap and wider global music culture.
Still, the show is at its best during its opening and middle sections. The early run of classics builds the crowd effectively and gives the arena the energetic, celebratory feeling the occasion deserves. Towards the end, however, that momentum begins to fade. In my section, more people are seated and the night does not finish with the same intensity with which it began.For a concert built around two legendary catalogues, a stronger final run could have sent the crowd home on a much bigger high. Instead, the ending feels slightly underwhelming in comparison to the excitement created earlier. This is particularly noticeable because the concept carries so much history and naturally creates expectations of an unforgettable final showdown.
Ultimately, if the night has to produce a winner, it is Vybz Kartel. His stage presence, catalogue and command of the crowd allow him to dominate much of the performance. Yet the real significance of Gaza vs Gully at The O2 lies beyond deciding between the two sides. Seeing Kartel and Mavado standing together before approximately 20,000 people is a major moment for dancehall and Caribbean culture in the UK.
The concert may not maintain its energy consistently enough to become the definitive Gaza vs Gully performance, but when it works, it captures exactly why both artists and the rivalry between them continue to matter. It is lively and nostalgic, even if its ending leaves the night falling slightly short of its full potential.
Rating: 3/5
Words: Magdalina Fre