Vybz Kartel (Adidja Palmer) pulled out of his highly anticipated concert appearance last night at the One Caribbean Music Festival at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.
The Jamaican dancehall star citied the promoter’s failure to fulfil contractual obligations as the reason for his no-show.
In a statement issued late yesterday, Kartel’s management made it clear the artiste would not be gracing any stage in T&T this weekend.
“Despite numerous efforts to resolve the issues over the past couple of months, the promoter was unable to fulfil the stipulated requirements as outlined in the performance agreement,” the release stated.
Plagued by issues
The concert continued to be shadowed by controversy last evening.
Another artiste, Ghanaian-American artiste MOLIY, also pulled out hours after the announcement that Kartel would not perform.
In a release, MOLIY’s management stated: “We regret to inform our Trinidad & Tobago fans and supporters that MOLIY will no longer be performing at the One Caribbean Music Festival as previously announced.
“MOLIY arrived in Trinidad ready and excited to perform, but since landing, her team has not received any communication from the festival organisers. Combined with their failure to meet key obligations, this has made it impossible for the performance to proceed.
“While this is deeply disappointing, MOLIY and her team remain committed to working with partners who value professionalism and mutual respect.”
Earlier, Kartel’s team stopped short of naming the specific breaches, but stressed their standard for professionalism was non-negotiable.
“We cannot in good conscience allow him to participate in an event where the organisers have not honoured their basic contractual obligations,” the statement continued. “We value professionalism and respect in all business dealings, and we expect the same in return.”
The One Caribbean Music Festival was originally slated for Carnival Friday—traditionally reserved for the International Soca Monarch.
The backlash over a dancehall event on soca’s sacred night forced organisers to push the date to May 31.
The management team of the “Romping Shop” singer also thanked the Government for granting him entry.
Just two weeks ago, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge confirmed Kartel’s itinerary had been slashed. Several engagements scheduled for May 27 and 28, including school visits, cultural meet-ups and media appearances, were not allowed.
In a previous statement, Sturge raised flags about Kartel’s overturned murder conviction and said, “based on Palmer’s past legal troubles” he had concerns about the artiste engaging with “vulnerable youths, particularly as his conviction was not based on merit but on a legal technicality”.
Kartel’s 2014 murder conviction was quashed by the UK Privy Council in March 2024 due to juror misconduct. The Jamaican Court of Appeal later ruled out a retrial.
Ban on ‘Good Like Jesus’
Despite his legal clearance, Sturge also took issue with Kartel’s lyrics.
The ministry pointed to Kartel’s controversial track, “Good Like Jesus”, as grounds for additional restrictions, calling the song offensive to religious groups and banning it from local performance.
“Freedom of expression is not an absolute right,” the ministry stated, noting it was also considering making the concert 18+ only.
Kartel responded with a calm Instagram video, brushing off the censorship and confirming compliance. “I have no issue with complying with the guidelines provided,” he said.
Promoter fires back
In a late twist last evening, One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF) organiser issued its own release, confirming the artiste’s withdrawal and expressing disappointment over the handling of the cancellation.
According to event producer JACHO Entertainment, Kartel was contracted for US$1.35 million, of which US$950,000 was already paid directly to the artiste and another US$150,000 to his legal representative.
Organisers said they were asked earlier this week to adjust Kartel’s flight to Friday—a change they accommodated. The remaining balance was reportedly available, but due to financial regulations in Trinidad and Tobago, the team was unable to disburse the final amount in cash.
OCMF officials said they learned of Kartel’s decision to pull out via a news report—not through direct communication with the artiste’s team.
“While this sudden and disappointing development is beyond the control of the organisers, OCMF 2025 will proceed as planned,” the statement read.
Sponsor stands clear
Meanwhile, one of the event’s key sponsors, Angostura Ltd, also issued a release clarifying its position.
The local rum brand—which has a product partnership with Kartel and produces four rum blends under his name—distanced itself from the dispute.
“Angostura wishes to advise that it is not affiliated nor responsible for the production, management and creation of the One Caribbean Music Festival,” the company stated.
“As a brand sponsor, which is the showcasing, display and sale of our brand at the event, we have fulfilled all our obligations to the event promoter.”
Artiste liaison Alicia Riley initially redirected all media queries to promoter Petal Jacho, who confirmed the show would go ahead last night.
Last night’s concert, featuring performers like Jamaican dancehall singers Malie Donn, Chronic Law, Rvssian, and The Ruffcut Band, alongside headliners Moliy and Sizzla Kalonji, was expected to begin at 9 p.m. at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
It remains unclear whether refunds will be issued or if ticket-holders will be compensated for the missing headline act.
Kartel’s team, however, left the door open for a future visit. “We are hopeful that he will be able to perform for local fans in the future…and we look forward to bringing you more great music and performances soon,” his management team stated.
Last night, though, the Worl’ Boss stayed home.
