Trinidad Promoter Sues Vybz Kartel Over $1.1M One Caribbean Festival Cancellation

Jacho Entertainment Limited of San Fernando has launched a civil suit in the High Court of Justice after Vybz Kartel’s scheduled appearance at the One Caribbean Music Festival was cancelled. The promoter says it paid roughly US$1.1 million - about 81 percent of an agreed US$1.35 million fee - before the artist pulled out of the show that had been rescheduled for May 31, 2025.

Filed on January 18, 2026, the action alleges breach of contract, unjust enrichment and defamation. The company is seeking recovery of the payments, damages for losses tied to the cancellation, and an injunction related to allegedly defamatory statements made publicly by the parties involved. Court summaries and local reporting outline a dispute focused on payment timing, last-minute cancellation and conflicting public statements by the artist and the promoter.

This case matters to fans, vendors and the regional live-music ecosystem. Festivals operate on tight margins and rely on large headliner guarantees to drive ticket sales and sponsor support. When a major booking collapses after large deposits have changed hands, promoters face sunk costs for production, staging, security, marketing and contracted local suppliers. That ripple can affect stagehands, vendors, transport operators and nearby businesses that count on festival crowds.

For the reggae and dancehall community the lawsuit raises questions about how headline bookings are structured and how disputes over public statements are handled. Promoters and artists often negotiate substantial deposits and cancellation clauses. Clear milestone payments, cancellation windows and dispute resolution language can reduce risk for both sides. Artists and management who want to avoid drawn-out litigation should weigh the reputational hit that comes with public disagreements over performance obligations.

If you bought tickets or worked on the event, verify your refund status and keep records of communications with ticketing agents and the promoter. Vendors and crew should check outstanding invoices and contractual protections. Promoters should review deposit insurance and contractual penalties; artists and managers should document approvals for rescheduling and cancellations.

The High Court filings will determine whether Jacho can recover the US$1.1 million and what damages, if any, will be awarded. The suit could set a reference point for future Caribbean bookings where large cross-border guarantees are common. Watch for court dates and any interim orders on the injunction request, and expect festival organizers and regional promoters to adjust contracting practices as the case develops.