6 BEST MOMENTS: GULLY VS GAZA TAKE OVER THE O2 ARENA
6 BEST MOMENTS: GULLY VS GAZA – There are certain moments in music where the history of the artists on stage becomes just as important as the performance itself.
For years, Vybz Kartel and Mavado stood on opposite sides of one of Dancehall’s most recognised rivalries. Gaza and Gully became part of the language of a generation, with both artists building huge followings while their music fuelled a rivalry that dominated Dancehall throughout the 2000s.
So, following Vybz Kartel’s release in 2024 after 13 years in prison, the direction of their relationship became one of the more unexpected developments in Dancehall. The two have since shared stages across Jamaica, America and Malta, putting their differences aside and allowing the music to take centre stage.
Now, it was London’s turn! On Wednesday 9th September, Gully Vs Gaza arrived at The O2, bringing together two catalogues that have remained deeply embedded in Dancehall culture for years.
THE O2 WAS READY
From the moment the show began, the audience came prepared to sing every word. DJ Khaled helped Mavado and Vybz open the show, setting the pace before the focus fully moved towards the main event. From there, the night became a journey through some of the biggest records associated with both artists.
Vybz Kartel moved through ‘Broad Daylight’, ‘Dem Ah No Gangster’, ‘Virginity’, ‘Real Badman’, ‘Touch Ah Button’, ‘Best Of Them’ and ‘Fever’.
Mavado followed with records including ‘Nuh Bleach Wid Cream’, ‘Top Shotta Nuh Miss’, ‘Chat Too Much’, ‘Last Night’, ‘When You Feel Lonely’, ‘I’m On The Rock’ and so much more!
The responses were immediate. These were songs the audience didn’t need an introduction to. As soon as the opening notes came through, the crowd took over.
THE UK SHOWED UP
The guest appearances gave the night another layer, particularly as the show began bringing some of Britain’s own musical history into the mix.
Chip joined Mavado on stage for ‘More Money’ and ‘Every Gyal’, while Sneakbo came out for Vybz Kartel for the ‘Touch A Button’ remix. Shortly thereafter came Tion Wayne, performing some of his classics and making a surprise appearance following his period away from the spotlight. Additionally, Krept & Konan made an appearance for ‘Freak Of The Week’, followed by WSTRN performing ‘Textin’. Lastly, by the time Digga D appeared for ‘Pump 101’, the crowd was fully locked in.
The UK appearances gave the show a distinctly London feel, while also highlighting how naturally Jamaican Dancehall has travelled into British music culture.
ONE RIDDIM
If there was one thing the show never struggled with, it was the soundtrack. The strength of both artists’ catalogues meant there was always another recognisable record waiting to be played. Whether it was Kartel’s harder-edged tracks or Mavado’s more melodic notes, the audience remained engaged because the music itself carried so much familiarity.
This was particularly noticeable when the two began going back and forth later in the show. Bringing back the classic Dancehall tradition of artists riding the same ‘riddim’ and clashing through their respective records, the exchange felt warming to the genre’s roots, creating a moment of tension without taking the rivalry back to where it once was.
For some, that may have been slightly underwhelming. A number of attendees would have liked to see more of the competitive energy with a nostalgic Gaza Vs Gully clash. However, there was still something satisfying about hearing the two catalogues sit alongside each other.
WHAT WAS MISSING?
The biggest criticism from attendees was not necessarily the music, it was the production surrounding it. For a show taking place at The O2 arena, some felt the stage could have offered more visually. More dancers, movement and larger-scale production moments would have helped create a stronger spectacle around the artists. The performances themselves had enough musical weight to keep people entertained, but the visual side didn’t match the size of the venue or the history attached to the event. Still, that didn’t stop people from enjoying themselves.
After speaking with some attendees throughout the night, the general feeling was that most people were happy they came. The opportunity to hear these records live, see the artists together and experience the atmosphere inside The O2 outweighed the areas where the production could have been stronger especially as ticket prices were more higher on the scale but there was no disappointment overall
THE LAST LAP
Towards the end of the show, the focus narrowed back down to Mavado and Vybz Kartel. The two went song for song, giving the audience the closest thing to the head-to-head experience many had been anticipating. There was no need for theatrics between them; the records were enough.
Hearing these records live, watching the artists share the stage and taking in the atmosphere at The O2 arena mattered more than the parts of the production that could’ve been better. Tickets were on the pricey side, but overall, people didn’t seem too disappointed, and the night still gave them what they came for. Two voices. Two catalogues. One stage.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Gully Vs Gaza ultimately gave London a night built around music that has already lived several lives. There was the history of the original rivalry, the unexpected shift in their relationship, the UK artists who joined them, and an audience that came with years of familiarity with the music.
The show may have benefited from a bigger visual production, but the atmosphere inside The O2 proved that sometimes a strong catalogue can do most of the work. For the people in the room, this wasn’t simply about seeing two Dancehall artists perform. It was about finally being able to watch them do it together.
Words by Nickeeba Archer
Gain access to our archive of deep-dives into the architects of Hip Hop and global culture, head over to the Viper Substack.
