Jamaican dancehall artiste, Adidja Palmer, popularly known as Vybz Kartel has been sued by Trinidad & Tobago event promoter, Jacho Entertainment Limited, arising out of the cancellation of the highly anticipated One Caribbean Music Festival, which was scheduled to take place on May 31, 2025.
The lawsuit was reportedly filed in TT’s High Court of Justice last Tuesday, alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and defamation, among other claims, and seeks damages in excess of TT$7.3 million, in addition to the recovery of US$1.1 million already paid to Kartel under a performance agreement. Jacho Entertainment is seeking all monies paid, special and general damages, an injunction restraining further alleged defamatory statements, and interest and costs.
No defence has yet been filed, and Kartel has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Jacho Entertainment is being represented by Quantum Legal with Attorney at Law CJ Williams leading the legal team. The TT Guardian yesterday published details on the claims being made against the Jamaican dancehall sensation, which are contained in the lawsuit in which Jacho Entertainment entered into a written agreement with Kartel on November 22, 2024, contracting him to headline the festival for a fee of US$1.35 million, payable in four instalments.
Events leading up to festival cancellation
The event was initially scheduled for February 28, 2025, but was later rescheduled to May 31, 2025, reportedly with the full knowledge and participation of the artiste’s management team. The promoter says by May 29, 2025, approximately 81% of the contracted fee had been paid, leaving a balance of US$250,000, which it intended to settle upon Kartel’s arrival in TT, contending that temporary foreign exchange constraints affected the timing of the final payment, emphasising that the funds were available on the day of the festival.
The lawsuit claims that Kartel failed to board his scheduled flight to Trinidad on May 30, 2025, and that his representatives subsequently demanded full payment prior to arrival—a condition which Jacho Entertainment maintained was not required under the agreement. On the day of the concert, the artiste publicly announced the cancellation through media and social media platforms, without issuing a formal written notice as stipulated in the contract.
Beyond the contractual dispute, the claim outlined the significant impact on patrons, many of whom had already entered the venue or travelled from within Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean to attend the event. Jacho Entertainment stated that it was forced to halt proceedings, issue public announcements, and implement emergency measures to manage crowds and ensure safety following the sudden cancellation.
Post cancellation issues
The lawsuit states that the promoter undertook responsibility for refunds, logistical coordination, and patron communications in the aftermath, despite the financial strain. Thousands of ticket holders were reportedly affected, with many expressing frustration and confusion after the cancellation was announced hours before the scheduled performance.
Arising from this Jacho Entertainment advises that it was forced to absorb substantial costs related to refunds, security, staffing, venue hire, and technical production, while also facing reputational damage as public narratives emerged assigning blame for the failed event. In its filing, Jacho Entertainment further alleged that statements made by Kartel on social media following the cancellation falsely portrayed the promoter as having mismanaged the event and failed to meet payment obligations.
These statements, the company says, intensified public backlash, exposed the promoter to ridicule, and undermined trust with patrons, sponsors, and industry partners. The promoter claims to have made attempts to resolve the dispute through correspondence and proposed alternative arrangements, including future engagements and mediation, but received no substantive response. As such, legal action was pursued after months of unsuccessful efforts at settlement.