In the aftermath of the disastrous One Caribbean Music Festival held on May 31, 2025, promoter Odane Anderson of Jacho Entertainment has broken his silence — revealing that reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji withdrew from the event after requesting a fee equal to that of dancehall star Vybz Kartel.
According to a Q&A with ET&T, Anderson explained that the withdrawal of Kartel, who was contracted for USD $1.35 million, triggered a financial and logistical domino effect that caused several other acts to pull out. Although Sizzla was already in Trinidad and ready to perform, Anderson said his team was blindsided by a last-minute fee increase.
“Whilst I believe Sizzla is worth any price he calls and value him as an esteemed Reggae icon and countryman… I could not in good conscience pay the new price just to have him ’save the day,’ knowing a significant portion of persons would be asking for refunds after the show,” Anderson stated.
According to Anderson, his team was prepared to pay Sizzla’s originally agreed balance, but when the fee was suddenly increased — presumably to match or come close to Kartel’s fee — the deal collapsed.
“Unfortunately, there was a request for significantly more, and when we could not meet the new demand on such short notice, they opted to withdraw. That was their right — but it was not the original agreement,” he clarified.
The incident has fueled widespread frustration among fans and attendees, many of whom paid high prices for tickets expecting performances from major headliners including Vybz Kartel, Sizzla, Malie Donn, and Moliiy. Anderson emphasized that aside from Chronic Law, no international acts took the stage, despite most receiving deposits.
Anderson concluded by saying he takes full responsibility for the event’s shortcomings, acknowledging the difficulties in managing foreign currency logistics and last-minute changes. Refund discussions are underway, though the promoter admitted the company is in a “very dark financial hole.”
As the fallout continues, Anderson is calling for mutual accountability among all parties and hopes to rebuild trust with fans and performers alike:
“Let’s resolve this. Let’s repay what’s due. Let’s rebuild — if not together, then at least with mutual respect.”
