Legendary Jamaican dancehall performer, Vybz Kartel, known off-stage as Adidja Palmer, finds himself at the center of controversy surrounding the One Caribbean Music Festival in Trinidad & Tobago’s carnival next year. Despite his usual outspoken nature, Kartel has chosen to remain tight-lipped about the situation, leaving fans and critics alike speculating about the reasons behind his absence from the event.
What Happened?
TV6 recently caught up with Kartel during the launch of his new STR8 VYBZ rum at Angostura Solera Wines and Spirit in Port of Spain, Trinidad. When questioned about his involvement in the festival, Kartel simply responded with a terse “no comment.” Pressed further by the interviewer, Kartel maintained his silence, only offering, “I cannot speak about the show because now I am just here promoting the Angostura, Vybz Kartel collaboration, no disrespect.”
The Controversy
The controversy began in November when it was announced that Kartel would be headlining a T&T Carnival Friday event on February 28, 2025. This decision sparked a nationwide debate, as Carnival Friday is a significant day on the national calendar, typically featuring local showcases like the International Soca Monarch. Kartel’s absence from the One Caribbean Music Festival lineup has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the reasons behind his exclusion.
Speculation and Silence
Despite the uproar surrounding his absence, Kartel has chosen to maintain his silence on the matter. When pressed by the interviewer, Kartel quipped, “You are a very determined interviewer, and I am a very determined interviewee,” before once again declining to comment on the festival controversy. The dancehall icon’s refusal to address the situation has only added to the intrigue surrounding his decision to stay away from the highly anticipated event.
As fans and critics alike wait for more information to surface, Vybz Kartel’s enigmatic silence continues to dominate headlines, leaving many to wonder what lies behind the curtain of this carnival dispute. Will Kartel eventually break his silence and shed light on the reasons behind his absence, or will the mystery surrounding his decision remain unsolved? Only time will tell.