Trinidad and Tobago Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has ordered an investigation into the use of foreign exchange related to artist fees for the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF), following the controversial withdrawal of Jamaican dancehall star Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer and other international acts from the event over alleged contractual issues.
Vybz Kartel was one of several performers who pulled out of the highly publicised festival at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday. Other artists Sizzla Kalonji, Malie Donn, and Rvssian, along with Ghanaian-American singer Moliy, also backed out, citing contractual issues.
In comments made to the Trinidad Guardian, Tancoo expressed concern over the sums being mentioned in connection with the festival, especially as the country grapples with ongoing foreign exchange challenges. “I am also intrigued by the amount of foreign exchange being mentioned in the media reports as having been involved in this venture, and I expect in other similar ventures. I have requested the Ministry of Finance to investigate and report on the very questions you raised,” the minister said.
He stressed that the move was not accusatory, but rather an attempt to gather facts. “Just to be clear, this is a fact-finding effort. Our Prime Minister and Government is fully supportive of private sector development of foreign exchange generators, including the commercialisation of the music and entertainment industry towards greater contribution to our country’s gross domestic product. We will share the results of this inquiry when we get same.”
Just hours before the start of the concert on Saturday, Kartel’s team announced the artist would not perform, citing a breach of contract.
The event’s promoter, Jacho Entertainment Ltd, claims Vybz Kartel and his team were paid a total of USD$1.1 million—USD$950,000 directly to the artist and another USD$150,000 to his legal representative—towards a USD$1.35 million performance fee. The remaining balance, they said, was available but could not be issued in cash due to legal and financial constraints.
Organisers claim they only learned of Kartel’s withdrawal via a local media report. “Despite all efforts made by the OCMF team to ensure the artiste’s comfort and full payment, it was through the media that we were informed of his decision to pull out,” they said in a statement released hours before showtime. “We extend our sincere apologies to fans who were looking forward to his performance.”
In a video shared on Instagram later on Saturday, the dancehall star addressed the promoter directly. “Remember a years me know you. Remember the money that you talking about for the legal team, a outta my money it faawud. TJ [Vybz Kartel’s manager] reluctantly give you a bligh. You missed deadline after deadline, me beg for you. I say TJ give him a bligh,” Kartel said. “Remember you [the promoter] wanted to keep the show during Carnival. I tell you, you cannot do that. Don’t mess with the culture. … You just couldn’t manage a Kartel show.”
He added that his only regret is that Trinidadian fans were robbed of the opportunity to see him perform after over a decade of him being incarcerated.
The fallout of the event also caught the attention of law enforcement. Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin said the matter could merit further scrutiny, particularly because one of the promoters has a pending criminal charge.
“It might be something of great concern. And that is something I would probably want to engage them (Financial Intelligence Bureau and Financial Intelligence Unit) to see exactly what is our take on that matter as it relates to that situation,” he said. “But, nevertheless, these are things that, again, we are going to look at based on the information that we’ve received, you know, in the media and other places.”
Though Saturday’s event was officially sold out, turnout was underwhelming as disappointed fans—learning of Kartel’s absence—demanded refunds. Ticket prices ranged from TTD$450 for general admission to TT$2,700 for VVIP access.
The Finance Ministry’s investigation is expected to examine not only this event but similar ventures where large sums of foreign currency are required, even as T&T grapples with ongoing forex availability issues.
