Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will no longer be performing at the One Caribbean Music Festival in Trinidad, his management team has confirmed. The artist’s absence stems from what has been described as a failure by the event promoter to fulfill contractual obligations outlined in their agreement.
The much-anticipated festival is scheduled to take place at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. However, according to Kartel’s team, despite repeated attempts over several months to resolve the issues, the promoter was unable to meet the agreed-upon terms, leading to the decision to pull out.
“Vybz Kartel has always been committed to delivering captivating and unforgettable performances for his fans,” the statement read. “However, we cannot in good conscience allow him to participate in an event where the organisers have not honoured their basic contractual obligations.”
Kartel’s team also extended gratitude to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for granting the necessary permissions for him to perform, despite the eventual cancellation. They emphasized their commitment to professionalism and mutual respect in business dealings.
The cancellation comes days after Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, had been granted special permission to enter the country for a one-week period ending May 31, the day of his expected headline performance. The permit was issued under Section 10 (1) of the Immigration Act 22/2025 and allowed him to perform without a work visa, subject to a strict set of conditions.
The permit had come with tight restrictions: Kartel was required to post a security bond and was only permitted to conduct radio interviews in two specific time slots on May 28. He was barred from participating in any community outreach or public engagement outside of his scheduled performance. The document also stated that he must refrain from promoting gang-related content and omit songs considered offensive, such as “Good Like Jesus,” from his set list. All costs for security and state services were to be covered by the artist.
While disappointed, the artist’s representatives expressed hope for a future performance in Trinidad and thanked fans for their continued support. “We look forward to bringing you more great music and performances soon,” the release concluded.
