Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago — Celebrated dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to take the virtual stage at Trinidad and Tobago’s One Caribbean Music Festival on May 31. The much-anticipated event, originally scheduled for February, was delayed due to technical and logistical setbacks.
Despite his incarceration, Kartel—born Adidja Palmer—remains a dominant cultural figure, with a dedicated fanbase throughout the Caribbean. His performance will be broadcast live from Jamaica under special permissions.
- Advertisement -
Event organizer Shari Alexander confirmed that all original tickets will be honored, with tier one already sold out. “We’ve worked closely with relevant authorities to ensure this experience will be seamless and secure,” she said.
The original show date sparked controversy when soca artist Kevon “Yankey Boy” Heath staged a hunger strike—not in protest of Kartel himself, but over the perceived sidelining of local Carnival traditions.
Heath later clarified, “This isn’t personal. It’s about protecting our culture during a sacred season.” The rescheduling appears to have defused much of the tension, and excitement around the revised date is building steadily.
Kartel’s appearance is expected to be the highlight of the festival, which also features artists from across the Caribbean in genres ranging from reggae to chutney soca.
