Trinidad Finance Minister probes Vybz Kartel USD$950K fee after concert no-show

Trinidad and Tobago Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has ordered an investigation into the use of foreign exchange related to artist fees for the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF), following the controversial withdrawal of Jamaican dancehall star Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer and other international acts from the event over alleged contractual issues.

Vybz Kartel was one of several performers who pulled out of the highly publicised festival at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday. Other artists Sizzla Kalonji, Malie Donn, and Rvssian, along with Ghanaian-American singer Moliy, also backed out, citing contractual issues.

In comments made to the Trinidad Guardian, Tancoo expressed concern over the sums being mentioned in connection with the festival, especially as the country grapples with ongoing foreign exchange challenges. “I am also intrigued by the amount of foreign exchange being mentioned in the media reports as having been involved in this venture, and I expect in other similar ventures. I have requested the Ministry of Finance to investigate and report on the very questions you raised,” the minister said.

He stressed that the move was not accusatory, but rather an attempt to gather facts. “Just to be clear, this is a fact-finding effort. Our Prime Minister and Government is fully supportive of private sector development of foreign exchange generators, including the commercialisation of the music and entertainment industry towards greater contribution to our country’s gross domestic product. We will share the results of this inquiry when we get same.”

Just hours before the start of the concert on Saturday, Kartel’s team announced the artist would not perform, citing a breach of contract.

The event’s promoter, Jacho Entertainment Ltd, claims Vybz Kartel and his team were paid a total of USD$1.1 million—USD$950,000 directly to the artist and another USD$150,000 to his legal representative—towards a USD$1.35 million performance fee. The remaining balance, they said, was available but could not be issued in cash due to legal and financial constraints.