Grammy nominated Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel has issued a statement over his cancelled Trinidad performance last year, reaffirming that his decision to stay off the bill was strictly business and tied to one key issue: the full performance fee was not paid in advance.
In a statement posted to Instagram and also sent to WMV, Kartel addressed the backlash surrounding the cancellation of his highly anticipated Trinidad appearance. The artiste said he is fully aware of the public commentary but made it clear his position remains unchanged.
“I am aware of public comments regarding the cancellation of the Trinidad performance,” Kartel wrote.
“My position is simple and unchanged: the performance agreement required payment of the full agreed fee in advance. That payment was not completed.”
Kartel added that because the dispute is now before a legal forum, he will not be saying anything further publicly, signaling that any further discussion will be handled in court and not on social media.
“As the matter is now before the appropriate legal forum, I will not be commenting…”
Kartel, 50, also captioned the statement: “To anyone directing negativity my way, I’m focused on moving forward. I’m in a strong place professionally and financially; therefore, I won’t engage with speculation or distractions.”
Promoter Files Lawsuit Over Failed One Caribbean Music Festival
Kartel’s comments arrive as Jacho Entertainment Limited, the Trinidad-based promoter behind the One Caribbean Music Festival, has officially filed a civil lawsuit against the Jamaican superstar whose legal name is Adidja Azim Palmer following the show’s collapse where several artists including Moliy, Sizzla and others also pulled out due to compensation issues.
According to court filings in the High Court of Justice on Tuesday, the promoter is alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, defamation, and other claims. Jacho Entertainment is seeking damages in excess of TT$7.3 million, along with the recovery of US$1.1 million already paid to Kartel under the performance agreement.
The lawsuit claims the parties entered into a written agreement on November 22, 2024, with Kartel contracted to headline the festival for a fee of US$1.35 million, payable in four installments.
The event was originally scheduled for February 28, 2025, but was later rescheduled to May 31, 2025, a change which the promoter says was done with full knowledge and involvement of Kartel’s management.
Promoter Says 81% Was Paid — Final Amount Was to Be Settled on Arrival
Jacho Entertainment claims that by May 29, 2025, approximately 81% of the fee had already been paid, leaving a remaining balance of US$250,000, which they intended to pay upon Kartel’s arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.
Court documents reportedly cite temporary foreign exchange constraints affecting the timing of that final payment, but state that the funds were available on the day of the event.
The promoter alleges Kartel failed to board his scheduled flight on May 30, 2025, and that his representatives then demanded full payment prior to arrival, a condition the promoter claims was not required under the agreement.
Lawsuit Claims Cancellation Was Announced Publicly Without Formal Notice
Another major point raised by the promoter: the lawsuit claims Kartel publicly announced the cancellation on the day of the event via media and social platforms, allegedly without issuing the written notice required by contract.
The filing outlines the fallout from the cancellation, stating that many patrons were already inside the venue, and others had travelled from across Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the Caribbean to attend. The promoter says it was forced to halt proceedings, make emergency announcements, and take steps to ensure crowd safety.
Jacho Entertainment says it absorbed substantial costs connected to refunds, staffing, security, venue hire, technical production, and crisis communications — while also taking reputational damage as online narratives placed blame on the promoter.
Defamation Claim Targets Social Media Statements
Beyond financial losses, the suit alleges Kartel’s social media comments after the cancellation falsely portrayed the promoter as incompetent and unable to meet payment obligations, fueling ridicule and backlash that damaged the company’s credibility with patrons and sponsors.
The promoter also claims it attempted to resolve the dispute through correspondence and proposed alternatives such as mediation and future engagements, but received no meaningful response, leading to legal action after months of failed settlement efforts.
Jacho Entertainment is being represented by Quantum Legal, with Attorney CJ Williams leading the team.
As of now, no defence has been filed in the matter.
