The One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF), which is slated for tonight at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad, will go on without its headline performer, after it was announced that dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will no longer be performing at the highly anticipated event.
The announcement was made earlier this evening by the entertainer’s management team, who, in a release, stated that the “non-fulfilment of contractual obligations” was the reason behind the late cancellation.
“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 release said.
The event’s promoters, JACHO Entertainment, have since responded to the announcement, admitting that payment issues were at the heart of the matter.
“Vybz Kartel was formally contracted to perform at OCMF 2025 for a total sum of US$1.35 million. To date, US$950,000 has been paid directly to the artiste, while an additional US$150,000 was disbursed to his legal representative,” the promoter explained.
“The remaining balance due was made available in full; however, due to legal and financial regulations in Trinidad and Tobago, the organisers were unable to disburse the final amount in cash,” they continued.
Tonight’s announcement was just another hurdle the Worl’ Boss faced in his attempt to return to the twin island republic, where he last performed more than 15 years ago.
In May, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge stated that he was considering imposing restrictions on Kartel’s performance at OCMF. He was also weighing the possibility of amending the performance permit granted to Kartel to prevent radio or television appearances while in Trinidad.
The authorities had already prohibited Kartel from several other events— a morning radio interview, a midday television appearance, a visit to a school or youth centre, and a cultural lunch with unspecified community leaders.
In a video on social media, Kartel said those events were included by the show’s promoter and that he had no problem with the restrictions.
“There is no problem with Vybz Kartel performing in Trinidad. The necessary permits were granted. The problem lies with the promoter, who took it upon themselves to try to fill Vybz Kartel’s itinerary with things that have nothing to do with Vybz Kartel’s performance,” he said.
“Rightfully so, the defence minister pulled the plug on part of the itinerary, and there’s no problem there because Vybz Kartel represents Trinidad, Jamaica, and the entire Caribbean. My job is to come and perform for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.
Earlier this week, reports indicated that while the Clarks deejay had gotten a permit to enter and perform, it came at the cost of restricted movement and the requirement of posting a security bond.
It was also explained that Kartel could only do radio interviews between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. just three days before OCMF, he could not do crime awareness activities, panel talks, community walkthroughs, meet with officials and similar type activities and meetings at any point while in Trinidad.
Kartel, whose given name is Adidjah Palmer, was expected to perform alongside the likes of Chronic Law, Sizzla Kalonji, Rvssian, and more. The event’s promoters, in their release, have expressed disappointment but declared the show must go on.
“With all licenses, permits, and personnel in place, and with key performers already on the island…fans can rest assured that the show is still on,” the promoter said in a release.