Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel (legal name Adidja Palmer) faces significant legal and financial repercussions as Trinidad and Tobago-based Jacho Entertainment Limited files a high-profile lawsuit against the artist. The civil action, lodged in the High Court of Justice, centers on Kartel’s abrupt cancellation of his scheduled headline performance at the One Caribbean Music Festival on May 31, 2025.
The promotion company alleges multiple contractual violations including breach of agreement, unjust enrichment, and defamation. According to court documents, Jacho Entertainment secured Kartel’s performance through a written agreement dated November 22, 2024, which stipulated a performance fee of $1.35 million payable in four installments.
Financial records indicate the company had disbursed approximately $1.1 million (81% of the total fee) by May 29, 2025, with the remaining $250,000 scheduled for payment upon Kartel’s arrival in Trinidad. The promoter attributes delayed final payment to temporary foreign exchange constraints but maintains sufficient funds were available on the event date.
The dispute escalated when Kartel allegedly failed to board his scheduled flight to Trinidad while demanding full payment in advance—a requirement not stipulated in their contract. The artist subsequently announced his performance cancellation through social media channels without providing formal written notice as contractually required.
Jacho Entertainment claims substantial financial losses exceeding TT$7.3 million (approximately $1.08 million USD) from ticket refunds, operational costs, and reputational damage. The company further alleges that Kartel’s public statements accusing them of mismanagement compounded their reputational harm.
The legal action follows months of failed settlement negotiations between the parties. The promoter seeks recovery of all monies paid, special and general damages, an injunction against further defamatory statements, plus interest and legal costs.