A mistake by the promoter of a sold out Vybz Kartel show in Costa Rica last weekend led to the cancellation of a mega concert but both parties say they are working on a new date to ensure fans enjoy a performance from the King of Dance Hall very soon.
Disappointed fans vented their feelings on social media but Kartel moved quickly to soothe anxieties and fears by recording a social media video apologizing for the problem and vowing to return to the Central American nation in the very near future.
Police and immigration officials said that the May 3 show at the National Stadium was cancelled because the promotional group had failed to obtain all the necessary permits to allow the concert to go ahead even as Kartel had landed in the country
“Costa Rica, I am leaving. Sorry, the promoter did not get the permit so I am out. There will be no show. On behalf of the promoters and myself, I would like to apologize to the people of Costa Rica for not being able to be at the show tonight. Now we know it was a very well anticipated event but it was something that the promoter and I tried assiduously to resolve but to no avail. We are working closely to see how we can best resolve the problem but until then look out for Vybz Kartel. God is the greatest,” he said in one of several videos he made once the foul up became known.
And in a joint statement issued by the performer and Plus Entertainment, but expressed regret at the turn of events saying “unforeseen logistical challenges that made it impossible to proceed with the event as planned. Ticket holders are advised to retain their tickets, as they will remain valid for the rescheduled event. Alternatively, refunds can be obtained at the original point of purchase. Both Vybz Kartel and Plus Entertainment appreciate the patience and understanding of fans during this time and assure them that efforts are underway to bring the performance to fruition in the near future,” the note stated.
Kartel’s stardom has risen astronomically especially after he and three co defendants were released from jail last year after serving more than a dozen years in prison for the 2011 murder of an associate. He has held concerts in a number of Caribbean destinations since walking out of a Jamaican detention center last July starting with a New Year’s Eve event in Jamaica. He is scheduled to perform in Guyana on May 24 at the national stadium before moving on to others in the US and Europe during the summer. He recently told fans that he has ceased bleaching his skin to make him appear to be lighter, suggesting that the practice is harmful.
