Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel and his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, have announced they are expecting their first child together.

The couple shared the news during Kartel’s performance at the Reggae Land 2026 music festival in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.

The announcement came as the dancehall icon continues his major return to the international stage, making the personal milestone even more memorable for fans.

In a viral clip seen by TNX Africa, several minutes into his set, the entertainer, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, invited Öztürk on stage.

Before performing his 2009 hit Come Breed Me, Kartel turned to his fiancée and gently rubbed her visible baby bump, confirming the pregnancy.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the song’s suggestive lyrics played in the background.

The announcement marks a major milestone for the couple, whose relationship began a decade ago.

They first connected in 2015 after Öztürk began writing to Kartel while he was serving a lengthy prison sentence in Jamaica.

Their correspondence blossomed into a romantic relationship, with Öztürk remaining one of his strongest supporters throughout his incarceration.

Following Kartel’s release from prison, the couple got engaged and have since made several public appearances together as he resumes his international music career.

Clips of the onstage pregnancy reveal have since gone viral, drawing congratulatory messages from fans across the dancehall community and beyond.

The baby will be Kartel’s eighth child.

The dancehall star is already a father of seven from previous relationships and a grandfather of two.

He shares three sons, including musicians Jaheim (Likkle Vybz) and Akheel (Likkle Addi), with his former long-time partner Tanesha “Shorty” Johnson.

He is also father to daughters Adi’Anna and Amani, and son Aiko.

His eldest sons welcomed children of their own while Kartel was serving his prison sentence, making him a grandfather before his release.