"Promoter fi the Trinidad show memba a years mi know yo, memba when you forward initially for the show, my manager was there my lawyer was there, remember the signing was recorded… you miss deadline after deadline, me beg fi yo, seh yo TJ gi him a bly… you bring mi now into logger-heads with the government… suh now yuh did wah bring mi at logger-heads with the culture," said Kartel.
As a result of his absence for the show, the Jamaican said, "Mi apologise to the Trinidad people, bigup the government of Trinidad and mi blame mi self in some way, because mi shoulda know seh a nuh every promoter can manage Vybz Kartel, it takes a lot."
Hours before his anticipated performance on Saturday, Kartel's management team issued a release, detailing that the artiste would not participate in the event due to the promoters' alleged failure to honour contractual agreements.
"Vybz Kartel has always been committed to delivering captivating and unforgettable performances for his fans. However, we cannot in good conscience allow him to participate in an event where the organisers have not honoured their basic contractual obligations," the statement said.
Notably, shortly after it was announced that Vybz Kartel will not be at the show, Ghanaian-American singer and songwriter Moliy was also pulled from the show.
The event is organized by JACHO Entertainment.
The organisers responded the Kartel's team's initial statement with their own which states, "While this sudden and disappointing development is beyond the control of the organisers, OCMF 2025 will proceed as planned." The festival will feature performances from top Dancehall acts such as Chronic Law, Rvssian, and Sizzla.
