Jamaica’s Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange has firmly rejected claims by American rapper Cardi B that the Government was prepared to provide financial assistance for her cancelled Jamaican concert, as the controversy surrounding the reported US$2.5 million engagement intensifies. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport declared that the Government neither promised nor paid any money towards the rapper’s appearance fee or associated expenses, describing the proposed BZR WKND event as a private commercial arrangement. The clarification follows comments Cardi B made during an Instagram livestream, in which she claimed that the Jamaican Government had been willing to assist financially with the concert.
The Government’s response comes amid an escalating financial dispute between Cardi B and BZR WKND promoter Ryan Burke over her cancelled October 18 performance at Kingston’s National Stadium. Burke has maintained that the rapper was paid in full, with the reported engagement valued at US$2.5 million, and indicated that organisers intend to pursue legal action to recover the money. However, Cardi B has challenged his account, saying she received an initial deposit but that subsequent payments required for production expenses were not delivered within the agreed timeframe. She has also threatened to countersue Burke if legal proceedings are initiated.
Meanwhile, Grange explained that the Government’s spending priorities have shifted towards recovery and reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa. The ministry disclosed that Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness had previously instructed that available funds be redirected towards recovery efforts wherever possible, even before more recent expenditure reprioritisation directives. Although the Government remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s entertainment and cultural industries, Grange said spending on events is currently constrained as national recovery takes priority.
The proposed concert was promoted as part of BZR WKND Jamaica, with Cardi B expected to headline alongside international and Jamaican performers. Following her withdrawal, organisers postponed the event until December 20 and announced arrangements for ticket holders seeking refunds. With the Government now distancing itself from the financial arrangements and both sides maintaining conflicting accounts of the payment dispute, attention turns to whether the disagreement will escalate into formal legal proceedings.
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