Vybz Kartel apologized after Trinidad fans were left bitterly disappointed

Trinidad fans were left bitterly disappointed after Vybz Kartel (Adidja Palmer), also known as the World Boss, failed to perform in Trinidad and Tobago for the eagerly awaited One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF) on May 31. This event had been highly anticipated, generating excitement among his devoted followers who were eager to see their favorite artist live on stage. Unfortunately, the disappointment stemmed from a significant failure by the promoter to meet contractual obligations, leaving those who had traveled from far and wide feeling let down and frustrated.

Vybz Kartel will not be performing at the One Caribbean Music Festival in Trinidad, reports say. His management confirmed the cancellation due to a failure by the event promoter to fulfill contractual obligations. Despite attempts to resolve the issues, the promoter reportedly didn’t meet the agreed-upon terms. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Contract Dispute: The core issue revolves around the promoter’s failure to meet the contractual obligations outlined in the performance agreement. 
• Failure to Fulfill Requirements: The promoter was unable to fulfill the stipulated requirements despite efforts to resolve the issues over the past few months. 
• No Performance: As a result, Vybz Kartel’s management decided that he would not be participating in the One Caribbean Music Festival. 
• Event Details: The festival was scheduled to take place on May 31st at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. 
• Disappointment: While the management acknowledged the disappointment of fans, they prioritized professionalism and mutual respect in business dealings. 
• Future Performances: Despite the cancellation, Kartel’s team expressed hope for future performances in Trinidad and Tobago. 
• APOLOGIES: Vybz Kartel has also apologized to fans in Trinidad and Tobago, but he’s placed the blame on the promoter, reports say. 

In a video posted on social media, Kartel give a brief explanation why he did not perform. “We did everything by the book however sometimes Others want to ignore the very terms they signed to and expect things to proceed.”

A release issued to the media around 4.10 pm confirmed that Kartel’s management team had officially announced he would neither appear nor perform at the festival, much to the disappointment of his fans eagerly anticipating his presence. The release added that this decision was attributed to a non-fulfilment of contractual obligations by the event’s promoter, a situation that has become increasingly frustrating for all parties involved. Kartel’s team expressed that despite numerous efforts to resolve the myriad of issues over the past couple of months, including multiple meetings and communications aiming to rectify the situation, the promoter was unable to fulfil the stipulated requirements as outlined in the performance agreement. This breakdown in communication and expectation has left Kartel’s management with no choice but to officially withdraw from the event, ensuring that they prioritize his artistic integrity and the commitment to his fans.

vm.vw_ wrote, Mr promoter PJ, TJ whatever J, we still want our money back, we have never spent so much money for a Machel Monday, with international & local artists. And alyuh want us to pay all that money for KMC, RAVI & whoever madness.

“Vybz Kartel has always been committed to delivering captivating and unforgettable performances for his fans. “However, we cannot in good conscience allow him to participate in an event where the organisers have not honoured their basic contractual obligations.”

According to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, the festival was originally scheduled for February 28, Carnival Friday, but was postponed to May 31. Organisers said then the postponement was due to “unforeseen logistical challenges.

“The high volume of back-to-back events at our chosen venue (Queen’s Park Oval) during Carnival week has significantly impacted the time needed to create the best possible festival experience. Additionally, major venues such as Hasely Crawford Stadium are unavailable for the Carnival 2025 season.”

“The organisers of the OCMF wish to issue a sincere and heartfelt apology to fans of internationally renowned dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel following a press statement issued today by local advertising agency Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi, on behalf of his international management team.”

The release also exposed financial details with the dancehall superstar.

Promoter already paid US$1.1m

The release from OCMF said Kartel was formally contracted to perform at for US$1.35million.

“To date, US$950,000 has been paid directly to the artiste. An additional US$150,000 was disbursed to his legal representative.”

The release continued that earlier this week Kartel’s management team asked the organisers to adjust his travel itinerary by rescheduling his flight to May 30, which was met in “good faith.”.

“The remaining balance due was made available in full, however, due to legal and financial regulations in TT, the organisers were unable to disburse the final amount in cash.”

Organisers of OCMF said they were only made aware of Kartel’s cancellation through media reports, five hours before the event.

“While this sudden and disappointing development is beyond the control of the organisers, OCMF will proceed as planned.

“With all licences, permits and personnel in place and with key performers already on the island, including Malie Donn, Chronic Law, Rvssian, and The Ruffcut Band alongside headliners Moliy and Sizzla Kalonji en route to Trinidad, fans can rest assured that the show is still on.”

On OCMF’s website, it states that patrons could receive a full refund, if the event is cancelled.

Kartel claimed the promoter has put him at loggerheads with the Trinidad government, stating, “my job is to perform for the people.”

Restrictions issued against Kartel

On May 15, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge justified restrictions imposed on Kartel, citing the well-being of the country’s children. While Kartel may perform at a pre-arranged concert, he cannot visit communities or conduct media interviews. After the UK-based Privy Council quashed his life sentence in March 2024 due to juror misconduct, Kartel was released from ten years in prison.

On May 22, he was granted a permit to enter and perform in Trinidad at the OCMF under specific terms, including a security bond and restrictions on activities. The permit, labelled Form 17, allows Mr. Adidja Azim Palmer to enter Trinidad and Tobago for seven days from May 27. It exempts him from work permit and visa requirements but can be cancelled if the conditions are violated.

The form stated that Kartel could only participate in radio interviews between 9 am-12 noon and 1 pm-3 pm on May 28. He was prohibited from crime awareness functions, panel talks, community walkthroughs, and similar meetings in Trinidad.

“Artiste must not communicate any words or engage in any activity which may likely be construed as promoting a gang – contrary to the provisions of the Anti-Gang Act.”

Additionally, he was banned from performing “Good Like Jesus.”

At the festival, guns, glass bottles, and cannabis were banned. Acting ACP Garvin Henry confirmed a significant police presence to ensure order and asked licensed firearm holders to secure their weapons at nearby police stations.