What was billed as one of the Caribbean’s biggest live music moments has now spiralled into a high-stakes legal showdown, with Trinidad-based promoter Jacho Entertainment Limited filing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel. The civil claim, lodged in the High Court of Justice, stems from the abrupt cancellation of the One Caribbean Music Festival and seeks more than $7.3 million in damages, along with the recovery of over US$1.1 million already paid to the artiste.
According to court filings, Jacho Entertainment entered a written agreement with Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, on November 22, 2024, under which he was contracted to headline the festival for a fee of US$1.35 million. The event, originally scheduled for February 28, 2025, was later moved to May 31, reportedly with the involvement and approval of the artiste’s management. By late May, the promoter claims it had paid approximately 81 per cent of the agreed fee, with the remaining US$250,000 set to be settled upon Kartel’s arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.
However, the lawsuit alleges that Kartel failed to board his scheduled flight on May 30, 2025, after his representatives demanded full payment before arrival, a condition the promoter insists was not required under the contract. On the day of the concert, Kartel publicly announced the cancellation via media and social platforms, allegedly without providing the formal written notice stipulated in the agreement. The fallout was immediate, with thousands of patrons already at the venue or travelling from across the Caribbean left frustrated and confused.
Beyond breach of contract, Jacho Entertainment is also claiming unjust enrichment and defamation, arguing that Kartel’s post-cancellation statements falsely painted the promoter as financially irresponsible. The company says it absorbed massive losses related to refunds, security, staffing, venue hire and production, while also suffering reputational damage as blame for the failed event played out online. Efforts to resolve the matter privately, including mediation and alternative proposals, reportedly failed, prompting legal action.
Jacho Entertainment is now seeking special and general damages, an injunction against further alleged defamatory statements, and interest and costs. The promoter is represented by Quantum Legal, led by attorney CJ Williams. No defence has yet been filed, and Kartel has not publicly responded, leaving the dancehall world watching closely as the courtroom battle unfolds.
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