A Trinidad-based promoter has sued Vybz Kartel. Jacho Entertainment Limited filed the lawsuit. It concerns the cancelled One Caribbean Music Festival. The event was set for May 31, 2025. The promoter seeks over TT$7.3 million. This is about US $1.07 million. The suit alleges breach of contract. Unjust enrichment and defamation are also claimed. Jacho Entertainment paid Vybz Kartel US $1.1 million. This was for a performance agreement. The promoter wants this money back. They also seek other damages.
Festival Details and Agreement
The One Caribbean Music Festival was a major event. It was originally planned for February 28, 2025. Organizers postponed it. The new date became May 31, 2025. This reschedule reportedly had artist management’s knowledge. Jacho Entertainment and Vybz Kartel signed a contract. This agreement was on November 22, 2024. Kartel was to headline the festival. His fee was US $1.35 million. The payment was set in four installments.
Payment Disputes Emerge
Jacho Entertainment claims significant payments were made. By May 29, 2025, about 81 percent was paid. This totaled US $1.1 million. A balance of US $250,000 remained. The promoter intended to pay this on Kartel’s arrival. However, temporary foreign exchange constraints caused delays. The funds were reportedly available on the event day.
The Cancellation Unfolds
Court documents state Kartel missed his flight. He was scheduled to fly to Trinidad on May 30, 2025. His representatives then demanded full payment. Jacho Entertainment insists this was not a contract requirement. On the festival day, Kartel announced the cancellation. He did this through media and social platforms. Crucially, he did not issue a formal written notice. This notice was stipulated in their contract.
Lawsuit Claims and Damages
The lawsuit details the significant disruption. Many patrons had already arrived. Some travelled across the Caribbean for the event. Jacho Entertainment had to manage crowds. They implemented emergency measures for safety. The promoter also claims reputational damage. The legal action seeks recovery of the US $1.1 million. It also demands over TT $7.3 million in damages. These cover expenses for staging, production, and marketing.
Vybz Kartel’s Defense
Vybz Kartel has publicly responded. He posted a statement on Instagram. Kartel stated his refusal to perform was due to payment breach. His statement claimed the agreement required full payment in advance. He asserted this payment was not completed. Therefore, he felt justified in not performing. He added the matter is now in court. He will not comment further. Kartel also mentioned he is focused on moving forward. He feels professionally and financially strong.
Wider Ramifications and News Today
The festival’s cancellation affected thousands. Several other international acts withdrew. This included artists like Sizzla Kalonji and Moliy. Island eTickets, a ticketing platform, also threatened legal action. They sought the return of US $80,000 advanced to Kartel. Jacho Entertainment denied wrongdoing. They stated all foreign exchange transactions were legal. Investigations into the foreign exchange aspect were launched. This was due to Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing currency challenges. The case highlights issues in the regional entertainment news. It underscores contract disputes in large-scale Caribbean events. This regional news continues to develop. Today, the legal battle is underway.