Local event promoter Jacho Entertainment Limited has filed a civil lawsuit against Jamaican dancehall star Adidja Azim Palmer, professionally known as Vybz Kartel, following the cancellation of the highly anticipated One Caribbean Music Festival, which was scheduled for May 31, 2025.
The claim was lodged in the High Court of Justice on Tuesday and cites breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and defamation among its causes of action. Jacho Entertainment is seeking damages exceeding $7.3 million, along with the recovery of US$1.1 million already paid to the artiste under a performance agreement.
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According to court documents, the promoter entered into a written contract with Palmer on November 22, 2024, securing him as the headline act for a fee of US$1.35 million. The payment was structured in four instalments. The concert was originally scheduled for February 28, 2025, but was later rescheduled to May 31, reportedly with the full awareness and involvement of the artiste’s management team.
By May 29, 2025, Jacho Entertainment stated that it had already paid approximately 81 percent of the contracted fee, leaving a balance of US$250,000. The company indicated that this amount was to be settled upon Palmer’s arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. Temporary foreign exchange constraints reportedly delayed the final transfer, although the promoter maintained that funds were available on the day of the event.
The lawsuit alleges that Palmer failed to board his scheduled flight to Trinidad on May 30, 2025. It further claims that his representatives subsequently demanded full payment prior to arrival, a condition Jacho Entertainment says was not required under the terms of the agreement.
On the day of the festival, Palmer publicly announced the cancellation through media interviews and social media platforms, without providing the formal written notice required under the contract, the filing states.
The promoter detailed the significant fallout from the cancellation, noting that many patrons had already entered the venue or travelled from across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean to attend the event. Jacho Entertainment said it was forced to suspend proceedings, issue public announcements, and implement emergency crowd management measures to ensure public safety.
In the aftermath, the company assumed responsibility for refunds, logistical coordination, and communication with ticket holders, despite facing severe financial strain. Thousands of patrons were affected, with many expressing frustration after learning of the cancellation just hours before the scheduled performance.
Jacho Entertainment said it absorbed substantial costs associated with refunds, security, staffing, venue rental, and technical production. The promoter also claimed reputational damage as public narratives emerged assigning blame for the failed event.
The lawsuit further alleges that statements made by Palmer on social media falsely suggested the promoter had mismanaged the event and failed to meet its financial obligations. The company claims these statements intensified public backlash, subjected it to ridicule, and damaged relationships with patrons, sponsors, and industry partners.
Court filings indicate that Jacho Entertainment attempted to resolve the dispute through correspondence and proposed alternative arrangements, including mediation and future engagements. However, the promoter claims these efforts were unsuccessful, prompting legal action after months of stalled negotiations.
The company is seeking full reimbursement of monies paid, special and general damages, an injunction to prevent further alleged defamatory statements, as well as interest and legal costs.
No defence has yet been filed, and Palmer 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.
