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Ricky Trooper’s Daughter’s Killer Handed 55-Year Sentence

Irie Dale June 10, 2025 2025 EVENTS, ARTISTES, CT

Derrick Francis, the man convicted of murdering Brianna Destiny McKoy, daughter of popular Jamaican sound system selector Ricky Trooper, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison, per reports. The sentencing was handed down in Bridgeport, Connecticut, nearly two years after Brianna was found lifeless on April 6, 2023. Francis, now 43, was found guilty in April 2025 of fatally shooting McKoy, who was just 23 years old at the time. According to court reports, the fatal argument occurred after Francis returned with their 18-month-old son to a condo on Vincelette Street. During the altercation, Francis shot McKoy four times in a bedroom using a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Their toddler was in a pla... »

Trinidad Promoter Claims ‘Life In Danger’ Over Vybz Kartel Concert No-Show

Irie Dale June 10, 2025 2025 EVENTS, ARTISTES, ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The Trinidad promoter behind the failed Vybz Kartel concert is now claiming that his life is in danger. There has been a big uproar among concertgoers in Trinidad who feel fleeced after buying tickets to see Vybz Karel headline the One Caribbean Music Festival concert last weekend on the Caribbean island. Promoter Odane Anderson, head of Jacho Entertainment, has come under fire from the dancehall legend and the Trinidad government over the failed show as concertgoers demand a refund. Earlier this week, Vybz Kartel shared a video response explaining his no-show, citing a breach of contractual agreement. Other artists like Sizzla Kalonji’s camp have also echoed similar sentiments. Odane Anders... »

Vybz Kartel Apologises to Trinidad Fans: Talks on Issues With Show Promoter

Irie Dale June 2, 2025 2025 EVENTS, ARTISTES, ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Early Sunday morning, shortly after midnight, Vybz Kartel uploaded a video on social media in which he formally apologised to the ‘Trinidad People’ and details the multiple issues he had with the promoter of the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF), leading up to the show date on Saturday. “Promoter fi the Trinidad show memba a years mi know yo, memba when you forward initially for the show, my manager was there my lawyer was there, remember the signing was recorded… you miss deadline after deadline, me beg fi yo, seh yo TJ gi him a bly… you bring mi now into logger-heads with the government… suh now yuh did wah bring mi at logger-heads with the culture,” said Kartel. As a result of his absen... »

Vybz Kartel Skips Trinidad Show

Irie Dale June 2, 2025 2025 EVENTS, ARTISTES, ENTERTAINMENT NEWS, TRINIDAD

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... »

Trinidad’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Outlines Kartel’s Restrictions: “I would not let him talk to our children and do TV shows”

Irie Dale May 20, 2025 2025 EVENTS, ARTISTES, ENTERTAINMENT NEWS, TRINIDAD

The leader of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Kamla Susheila Persad-Bissessar spoke on the upcoming visit of Vybz Kartel to the country, detailing the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the Dancehall artiste while he’s on the twin-island. She noted that she urged the Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge to restrict the deejay from talking to the media and interacting with the children of the country ahead of his highly anticipated May 31 concert. In a speech, the prime minister stated, “And if you walk around the country today, then yes, express yourself but not at the risk of our children. And that is one of the restrictions, I said no, I would not let him talk to our children and do TV shows. So, it’s balancing, n... »