Learn from the legends Young artistes urged to take lesson from Kartel-Mavado era

Residents of Waterford, the Portmore community that produced dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, believe the long-running lyrical rivalry between him and Mavado has provided a valuable lesson for today’s emerging artistes — that musical competition does not have to turn into personal conflict.

The Gaza-Gully rivalry became one of the most influential and controversial chapters in dancehall history, shaping fan culture, dominating music conversations and creating a divide between supporters of the two camps that extended beyond the music.

The feud officially cooled in December 2009 after Vybz Kartel and Mavado met at Jamaica House with government officials and peace advocates to address tensions surrounding their rivalry. Following the meeting, both artistes agreed that the conflict was never personal, pledging to encourage unity among fans and leave the competition to the music.

For some residents, the Gaza-Gully era demonstrated how two opposing camps could create excitement, dominate the dancehall space and still maintain careers beyond the clashes.

Birdie, a Waterford resident, recalled that the exchanges between the two artistes were driven by lyrical ability rather than real hostility. He said Kartel and Mavado’s clashes produced music that fans could appreciate because “the way how it sound” showed both artistes were “bad lyrically”, but the rivalry never crossed into violence.

Looking back at the impact of both entertainers, Birdie said the focus should now be on the success they achieved after the clashes faded. He encouraged upcoming performers to study the careers of the two dancehall giants, noting that years later they continue to attract audiences and generate income. According to him, young artistes should “look pon the legacy” and recognise that building a lasting brand is more important than maintaining personal feuds.

Other residents shared similar views, arguing that the careers of Kartel and Mavado provide a roadmap for entertainers seeking longevity in the music industry.

Rider stressed that disagreements in dancehall should remain within the boundaries of music. He said the reunion between the two artistes was a reminder that “music is not war” and showed that the rivalry was never about physical conflict.

He added that while the diss tracks and lyrical exchanges created intense moments, “it never go beyond that”, allowing both artistes to continue building successful careers.

Rider believes younger entertainers can learn from how previous generations handled musical battles without allowing them to damage their personal lives or careers.

“War inna craft,” he said, encouraging new artistes to understand that competition should be used as motivation rather than a reason for division.

Cutty, another Waterford resident who has watched several dancehall figures emerge from the community, described the Gaza-Gully rivalry as one of the most defining periods in modern dancehall history.

He argued that both sides played a role in elevating the culture, explaining that “Gaza a Gaza and Gully a Gully” because each movement had its own supporters. However, he noted that the rise of one camp helped create the identity of the other.

“Without a Gaza there is no Gully,” he said.

Cutty believes the next chapter for dancehall should focus on unity, growth and positive influence. He said artistes should pursue “love, prosperity and unity”, adding that the Gaza movement’s influence over the years should encourage young performers to learn from Kartel’s journey.

This Saturday, Vybz Kartel and Mavado, who were once known as lyrical rivals during the height of the Gully-Gaza era, are set to share the stage at A Taste of Reggae Sumfest this Saturday at Plantation Cove, Ocho Rios, St Ann. The highly anticipated reunion is expected to be a major highlight of the event, as the two artistes move from past clashes to a moment of unity celebrating dancehall culture and their enduring influence on the genre.