Organisers of the One Caribbean Music Competition (OCMF) have damaged their silence following the abrupt cancellation of Vybz Kartel’s scheduled efficiency, confirming that greater than USD$1.1 million had already been paid to the Jamaican dancehall star and his crew.
The much-anticipated competition is scheduled to happen on the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad. An announcement from the administration of Vybz Kartel confirmed that the artist wouldn’t be performing as scheduled because of a contract dispute.
In an official assertion issued Saturday, the OCMF team expressed disappointment over Kartel’s withdrawal, which they are saying they solely discovered about by a neighborhood media report on CNC3—mere hours earlier than showtime.
Vybz Kartel, whose actual title is Adidja Palmer, was contracted to carry out for a complete sum of USD$1.35 million. Based on organisers, USD$950,000 was paid on to the artist, with a further USD$150,000 despatched to his authorized consultant. The remaining stability, organisers say, was prepared and accessible however couldn’t be disbursed in money because of authorized and monetary rules in Trinidad and Tobago.
Earlier within the week, Kartel’s administration reportedly requested a change to his journey itinerary, asking that his flight be rescheduled to Friday. The OCMF crew says they accommodated the request in good religion, persevering with to arrange for his headline efficiency.
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“Regardless of all efforts made by the OCMF crew to make sure the artiste’s consolation and full fee, it was by the media that we have been knowledgeable of his determination to drag out,” the assertion learn. “We lengthen our honest apologies to followers who have been wanting ahead to his efficiency.”
Regardless of the high-profile cancellation, organisers have confirmed that OCMF 2025 will proceed as deliberate. With all permits and performers in place—together with Malie Donn, Power Regulation, Rvssian, and The Ruffcut Band already in Trinidad, and headliners Moliy and Sizzla Kalonji on their approach—the present is about to kick off at 9:00 PM on the Queen’s Park Savannah.
“We stay dedicated to delivering a world-class leisure expertise,” the assertion continued, urging followers to come back out early for what they promise will nonetheless be an unforgettable evening of Caribbean music.
