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PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD – Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will not be performing in Trinidad on Carnival Friday as originally planned. Organizers of the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF) have confirmed that the event has been postponed to May due to unforeseen logistical challenges.

In an official release, the OCMF team cited scheduling conflicts as a major factor behind the decision. “The high volume of back-to-back events at our chosen venue during Carnival week has significantly impacted the time needed to create the best possible festival experience,” the statement read. Organizers also noted that key venues, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium, were unavailable for the Carnival 2025 season.

Speculation about the festival’s fate intensified after online ticketing service Ticket Federation briefly posted a notice about its postponement before removing it. Guardian Media later confirmed the delay after speaking with the event’s organizers.

The festival, which was expected to feature Vybz Kartel as the headline act, has faced controversy since its announcement. Many critics opposed a major dancehall event taking place during Trinidad’s Carnival season. Soca artist Yankey Boy even staged a hunger strike in protest before later being added to the lineup.

Kartel, who was released from prison last year, had been expected to perform in Trinidad as one of his first post-incarceration appearances. However, during his visit to launch his STR8 VYBZ rum in December, he avoided confirming any Carnival-related performances, focusing instead on promoting his new brand.

With the postponement now official, fans will have to wait until May for a potential Kartel performance in Trinidad. Organizers have yet to confirm the new date and venue.