A prominent Trinidadian promotions company has taken legal action against Vybz Kartel, citing breach of contract and defamation after the dancehall artist failed to appear at a major music festival earlier this year.
Jacho Entertainment Limited, the events firm behind the One Caribbean Music Festival, is seeking over TT$7.3 million in damages, along with the recovery of US$1.1 million allegedly advanced to the entertainer ahead of his scheduled performance.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a written agreement reportedly signed on November 22, 2024, in which Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, committed to headline the festival. Originally set for February 2025, the event was postponed to May 31. According to court documents, the total performance fee was set at US$1.35 million, with the promoter claiming it had already disbursed 81% of the amount by late May.
Jacho Entertainment asserts that the balance of US$250,000 was to be paid upon Kartel’s arrival in Trinidad. However, the artist allegedly refused to travel without receiving full payment upfront—an arrangement the promoter says was never part of the agreed terms. Foreign exchange delays reportedly played a minor role in the final installment, but funds were said to be available on the event day.
Instead of performing, Kartel is accused of abruptly announcing his withdrawal via social media without issuing formal notice, leaving the promoter to deal with fallout ranging from ticket refunds to reputational harm.
The lawsuit claims that Kartel’s public remarks following the cancellation implied mismanagement by Jacho Entertainment, which the company views as defamatory and damaging to its brand.
After several failed attempts to settle the matter out of court, Jacho has now moved forward with legal proceedings, seeking full restitution of payments made, special and general damages, and an injunction to prevent any further public commentary from Kartel that could impact its reputation.
