MOLIY WITHDRAWS FROM ONE CARIBBEAN MUSIC FESTIVAL FOLLOWING VYBZ KARTEL’S EXIT

Ghanaian-American singer Moliy, celebrated for her viral hit Sad Gurlz Luv Money and Shake It To The Max (Fly), has officially pulled out of the One Caribbean Music Festival in Trinidad. Her withdrawal comes after Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican dancehall icon, exited the lineup due to unpaid fees.

In a statement issued on May 31 by her management team, Wondergirl & Co., Moliy expressed deep disappointment over the festival’s handling of artist relations. The team detailed their grievances, citing poor communication and contractual breaches:

“Moliy arrived in Trinidad ready and excited to perform, but since landing, her team has not received any communication from the festival organizers. Combined with their failure to meet key contractual obligations, this has made it impossible for the performance to proceed.”

Despite the setback, Moliy’s team reaffirmed their dedication to professionalism, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in future partnerships:

“While this is deeply disappointing, Moliy and her team remain committed to working with partners who value professionalism and mutual respect.”

Moliy's Message to Trinidad & Tobago Fans

Moliy also took a moment to express her gratitude to her Caribbean audience, particularly those in Trinidad & Tobago, stating that she had been eager to connect with them:

“She was truly looking forward to connecting with her Trinbagonian fan base and hopes to return to T&T at the right time and under the right circumstances to shake it to the max.”

Credit Photo : Moliy (Intagram account) and Vybz Kartel ((Intagram account)

Festival Promoters Address Payment Issues

Following Vybz Kartel’s initial departure, event promoters released an apology, citing financial hurdles in settling his performance fees. According to them, regulations imposed by Trinidadian authorities prevented timely payments.

Meanwhile, Kartel appeared unbothered by the controversy, sharing a video from his Florida home—some 1,649 miles away—watching the classic sitcom Martin.

With two major artists now absent from the lineup, the festival’s organizers face growing scrutiny over their management and financial practices. Whether this will impact future editions of the event remains to be seen.