Vybz Kartel Skips Trinidad Show

Hours before his highly anticipated performance in Trinidad and Tobago, it was announced on Saturday that Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel will not be appearing at the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF).

Kartel’s management team issued a release, detailing that the artiste would not participate in the event due to the promoters’ alleged failure to honour contractual agreements. “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,” the statement said.

His absence comes on the heels of a series of restrictions being imposed on the ‘Fever’ deejay by local authorities, including bans on performing certain controversial songs, participating in activities involving children, and conducting extensive interviews.

The event is being organized by JACHO Entertainment, which responded to Kartel’s cancellation in an official statement. “While this sudden and disappointing development is beyond the control of the organisers, OCMF 2025 will proceed as planned,” the statement read. The festival will feature performances from top Dancehall acts such as Chronic Law, Rvssian, Moliey, and Sizzla.

According to JACHO Entertainment, Kartel was contracted for a performance fee of US$1.35 million. To date, US$950,000 has been paid directly to the artist, and an additional US$150,000 has been given to his legal representative. The remaining balance was reportedly made available in full, but due to legal and financial regulations in Trinidad and Tobago, it could not be disbursed in cash.

Vybz Kartel has yet to comment publicly on the cancellation, but he took to social media on Saturday to promote his next performance, scheduled for June 6.