A Trinidad and Tobago-based leisure promoter has taken authorized motion towards Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel following the cancellation of his scheduled look on the One Caribbean Music Competition final yr.
Experiences from the twin-island republic point out that Jacho Leisure Restricted filed a civil declare within the Excessive Courtroom of Justice final Tuesday, accusing the entertainer of breaching a efficiency settlement. The lawsuit additionally contains claims of unjust enrichment and defamation, amongst different allegations, in accordance with CNC3 Information.
The corporate is in search of damages exceeding TT$7.3 million, together with the restoration of roughly US$1.1 million it claims was already paid to the artiste, whose given title is Adidja Palmer.
Courtroom filings reportedly state that Jacho Leisure entered right into a written contract with Kartel on November 22, 2024, for him to headline the competition. The occasion was initially slated for February 28, 2025, however was later postponed to Might 31. Below the settlement, Kartel was to obtain a complete price of US$1.35 million, payable in 4 instalments.
Based on the promoter, about 81 per cent of the contracted sum had been paid by Might 29, 2025, leaving a steadiness of US$250,000. The corporate stated it deliberate to clear the excellent quantity upon Kartel’s arrival in Trinidad, noting that whereas non permanent overseas change challenges delayed the switch, the funds had been obtainable on the day of the present.
Jacho Leisure additional alleged that Kartel didn’t board his scheduled flight and insisted on full fee earlier than travelling, a situation it claims was not outlined within the contract. The artiste later introduced the cancellation of his efficiency on social media, which the promoter stated was finished with out the formal written discover required underneath the settlement.
The corporate maintains that the cancellation resulted in important monetary losses, together with ticket refunds and extra bills, in addition to reputational hurt. It additionally claims that public statements made by Kartel accusing the promoter of mismanagement worsened the injury.
Based on CNC3 Information, Jacho Leisure stated the lawsuit was filed after a number of months of failed makes an attempt to resolve the matter amicably. The promoter is in search of reimbursement of all monies paid, particular and basic damages, an injunction to stop additional alleged defamatory statements, in addition to curiosity and authorized prices.
