Jamaican dancehall artiste, Adidja Palmer, popularly known as Vybz Kartel has been sued by Trinidad & Tobago event promoter, Jacho Entertainment Limited, arising out of the cancellation of the highly anticipated One Caribbean Music Festival, which was scheduled to take place on May 31, 2025.

The lawsuit was reportedly filed in TT’s High Court of Justice last Tuesday, alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and defamation, among other claims, and seeks damages in excess of TT$7.3 million, in addition to the recovery of US$1.1 million already paid to Kartel under a performance agreement. Jacho Entertainment is seeking all monies paid, special and general damages, an injunction restraining further alleged defamatory statements, and interest and costs.

No defence has yet been filed, and Kartel has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Jacho Entertainment is being represented by Quantum Legal with Attorney at Law CJ Williams leading the legal team. The TT Guardian yesterday published details on the claims being made against the Jamaican dancehall sensation, which are contained in the lawsuit in which Jacho Entertainment entered into a written agreement with Kartel on November 22, 2024, contracting him to headline the festival for a fee of US$1.35 million, payable in four instalments.

Events leading up to festival cancellation

The event was initially scheduled for February 28, 2025, but was later rescheduled to May 31, 2025, reportedly with the full knowledge and participation of the artiste’s management team. The promoter says by May 29, 2025, approximately 81% of the contracted fee had been paid, leaving a balance of US$250,000, which it intended to settle upon Kartel’s arrival in TT, contending that temporary foreign exchange constraints affected the timing of the final payment, emphasising that the funds were available on the day of the festival.

The lawsuit claims that Kartel failed to board his scheduled flight to Trinidad on May 30, 2025, and that his representatives subsequently demanded full payment prior to arrival—a condition which Jacho Entertainment maintained was not required under the agreement. On the day of the concert, the artiste publicly announced the cancellation through media and social media platforms, without issuing a formal written notice as stipulated in the contract.

Beyond the contractual dispute, the claim outlined the significant impact on patrons, many of whom had already entered the venue or travelled from within Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean to attend the event. Jacho Entertainment stated that it was forced to halt proceedings, issue public announcements, and implement emergency measures to manage crowds and ensure safety following the sudden cancellation.

Post cancellation issues

The lawsuit states that the promoter undertook responsibility for refunds, logistical coordination, and patron communications in the aftermath, despite the financial strain. Thousands of ticket holders were reportedly affected, with many expressing frustration and confusion after the cancellation was announced hours before the scheduled performance. 

Arising from this Jacho Entertainment advises that it was forced to absorb substantial costs related to refunds, security, staffing, venue hire, and technical production, while also facing reputational damage as public narratives emerged assigning blame for the failed event. In its filing, Jacho Entertainment further alleged that statements made by Kartel on social media following the cancellation falsely portrayed the promoter as having mismanaged the event and failed to meet payment obligations.

These statements, the company says, intensified public backlash, exposed the promoter to ridicule, and undermined trust with patrons, sponsors, and industry partners. The promoter claims to have made attempts to resolve the dispute through correspondence and proposed alternative arrangements, including future engagements and mediation, but received no substantive response. As such, legal action was pursued after months of unsuccessful efforts at settlement.

The family of Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World fame has announced the sudden passing of the musician on the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Read more: Third World co-founder Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore has died

Xodus Carnival officially kicked off the road to 2026
with an electrifying Content Creation Day and Media Launch, unveiling this year’s bold and
innovative theme, Campari Xodus OlympiX 2026 Qualifiers. The event brought together media
partners, models, designers, collaborators, and the wider Xodus family for an intimate gathering,
following its virtual launch back in September 2025, signaling a new chapter for Jamaica’s
largest and most internationally recognized carnival band.
Held at the Sagicor Auditorium in New Kingston, the showcase delivered an early look at what
promises to be Xodus’ most ambitious and globally driven presentation yet.
Speaking at the launch, Xodus’ CEO, Pierre Goubault, emphasized the brand’s commitment to
innovation, inclusivity, and elevating Jamaica’s presence in the global carnival landscape.
“This theme is unlike anything we’ve ever done,” he shared. “Xodus OlympiX reimagines
carnival through the spirit of sport, power, unity, excellence, and celebration. It was a risk, but it
has translated into some of our strongest and most meaningful designs to date.”
With a focus on expanding into Spanish-speaking markets, strengthening international tourism,
and elevating the masquerader experience, Xodus Carnival 2026 aims to redefine carnival
standards both locally and globally.
Central to the Xodus philosophy is the belief that carnival should be accessible and unforgettable
for everyone. “Our designs reflect all body types, all personalities, all levels of expression,”
Goubault added. “We want every masquerader to open their costume box and feel a sense of
pride, that their investment has transformed into something beautiful, powerful, and worth
celebrating.”
Representing the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports (MCGES), David Brown,
Director of Cultural and Entertainment Synergies at the MCGES, emphasized carnival’s essential
role in national identity, creativity, and unity.
He stated that “Carnival is more than revelry, it is one of Jamaica’s most powerful economic and
cultural forces. In just one season, carnival activities generated over J$91 billion for our
economy and employed thousands across the creative sector. Campari Xodus OlympiX 2026

represents the kind of innovation and unity that helps Jamaica rebuild faster, grow stronger, and
take its place on the world stage.”
Brown commended Xodus for pushing the cultural conversation forward and supporting the
livelihoods of the thousands of creatives who shape Jamaica’s entertainment ecosystem.
The brand also highlighted its dedication to enhancing the full carnival journey, from premium
road amenities to safety, entertainment, and customer service.
The 2026 season will feature an extended calendar, including the return of Xodus Wet which will
take place in Ocho Rios during Easter Weekend, Lost in Paradise, Bacchanal J’ouvert, and the
band’s signature carnival events: Xodus Fete Gala, Xodus Tailgate, and Xodus Remedy. These
events are designed to energize the carnival community and build momentum leading into the
road march.
“In the worldwide carnival space, Jamaica is ready to claim the number one spot,” Goubault
continued. “With the partnership, passion, and creativity of everyone here, we are on track to
make Xodus Carnival 2026 the most extraordinary chapter in our history.”
With interest already spanning France, Austria, Japan, the U.S., and across the Caribbean, Xodus
continues to strengthen Jamaica’s position as a premier carnival destination.