Barclays Center Sets Record for Caribbean Concerts in 2025, Underscoring Genre’s Cultural Impact

Photo courtesy: BSE

Seven Caribbean shows have generated 20% of arena’s gross revenue this calendar year to date

BROOKLYN (Sept. 2, 2025) – Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) today announced Barclays Center has hosted a record number of seven Caribbean concerts in 2025, generating 20% of the arena’s gross revenue for the calendar year to date. This milestone follows the Brooklyn arena’s record-breaking momentum after recently setting a new benchmark by hosting 74 concerts in Fiscal Year 2025.

From sold-out concerts to large-scale cultural celebrations, Barclays Center has established itself as a premier destination for Caribbean artists to showcase their talent on one of the world’s most prominent stages. Brooklyn is home to one of the largest Caribbean populations in the United States and the success of these shows at Barclays Center – which welcomed more than 80,000 attendees across all seven shows – underscores the growing demand for Caribbean music and culture, which has become an integral part of the borough’s identity.

This record-setting year also underscores Barclays Center’s commitment to presenting diverse live entertainment experiences that reflect the vibrancy of Brooklyn and New York City as a whole. BSE has been intentional to ensure the arena’s event calendar reflects the diversity of its community and offers something for everyone.

“Brooklyn’s deep Caribbean roots, paired with the rising global popularity of reggae, dancehall, soca, and konpa, make it especially meaningful for Barclays Center to host these shows,” said Laurie Jacoby, Chief Entertainment Officer at BSE. “These dynamic performances are an important part of our overall success story at Barclays Center and not only reflect the passion of Caribbean music fans but also showcase the important role our arena plays in bringing diverse, world-class entertainment to Brooklyn. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

“Brooklyn has always been the mecca of dancehall in the United States, and with the genre on the rise, bringing these shows to Barclays Center is a powerful statement,” said CJ Milan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Reggae Fest. “The arena’s deep ties to the Caribbean community and the hospitality shown to us and our fans make it feel like home. When these artists look to perform in the U.S., Reggae Fest at Barclays Center is at the top of their list—that’s the reputation we’ve built together. With multiple shows already planned for 2026, we are excited to build on this momentum.”

Artists who have taken the stage in Brooklyn in 2025 include Vybz Kartel with three sold-out performances, Michael Brun, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Shenseea, Alkaline, Elephant Man, and Machel Montano, whose electrifying show as part of BSE’s two-day Planet Brooklyn festival featured Lady Lava, Bunji Garlin, Skillibeng, Ayetian, Ravi B, and more.

Click HERE for photos of recent Caribbean performances at Barclays Center (credit BSE).

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