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Vybz Kartel & Shenseea Ignite 2026 with Explosive No. 1 Debut of “Panic”

The King of Dancehall is not just back; he’s dominating.


Vybz Kartel & Shenseea Panic

Vybz Kartel continues his explosive return to the global music scene with the release of “Panic,” a high-energy collaboration featuring Shenseea. Within just one hour of its February 20, 2026, release, the track shot straight to No. 1 on the U.S. Reggae iTunes chart, signaling that Kartel’s momentum is not slowing down anytime soon.


For Kartel, this marks his third chart-topping single in just two weeks, a remarkable feat that underscores both his cultural relevance and commercial power. For Shenseea, “Panic” delivers her first No. 1 of 2026, setting the tone for what could be a defining year.


A Decade Later: The “Loodi” Energy Returns

“Panic” reunites Kartel and Shenseea nearly a decade after their breakout hit, Loodi, a collaboration that helped solidify Shenseea as a rising star while reinforcing Kartel’s ear for pairing with dynamic female talent.


This time, however, the energy feels different.


Where “Loodi” was playful and infectious, “Panic” is sharper, grittier, and unapologetically bold. The chemistry remains undeniable — Kartel’s commanding delivery collides seamlessly with Shenseea’s confident, razor-edged cadence. The ad-libs, the back-and-forth tension, and the swagger evoke the aura of Kartel’s gold-selling anthem Fever — but with a 2026 edge.


Production That Hits Hard

Produced by renowned hitmaker Linton TJ White, “Panic” leans into modern dancehall’s heavy basslines and crisp percussion while maintaining the raw street authenticity that fans crave. The beat is aggressive yet clean — a perfect backdrop for two of Jamaica’s most recognizable voices to spar lyrically.


Kartel sounds reinvigorated — calculated, sharp, and fully aware of his impact. Shenseea matches the energy, delivering a performance that feels both commercially savvy and rooted in dancehall’s DNA.


Kartel’s Unmatched Momentum

Since his return to freedom in mid-2024, Kartel has been steadily reclaiming his throne. But 2026 is shaping up to be something bigger — a reminder that influence doesn’t fade when it’s deeply embedded in culture.


The speed at which “Panic” climbed the charts speaks volumes. It isn’t nostalgia driving these numbers — it’s relevance.


What This Means for Dancehall

“Panic” is more than a hit single. It’s a cultural statement.

It signals:

  • The sustained global appetite for authentic dancehall.

  • The power of strategic collaborations.

  • The continued evolution of Shenseea as a crossover-ready force.

  • Kartel’s ability to dictate trends rather than follow them.


If the early numbers are any indication, “Panic” could become one of 2026’s defining dancehall anthems.

And if this is just February?


The rest of the year might belong to them.

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