The hyped ‘Keep the Peace’ concert featuring Jamaican’s Vybz Kartel and his contingent, the Portmore Empire was cancelled yesterday after the artiste reportedly failed to show.
Conscious Minds Promotions, which was behind the event, made the sudden announcement hours before the artistes were expected to perform at the National Park. Several members of the Portmore Empire were already in the country and, like the fans, were awaiting the arrival of Vybz Kartel.
“As we express appreciation for the support we have received from our sponsors and fans we the management of Conscious Minds Promotions regret to announce that the Vybz Kartel Peace Concert scheduled for today… has been cancelled,” the promotional team said in a press release.
The press release advised that persons who purchased tickets for the show will receive full refunds beginning Tuesday at all ticketing locations. “We again express our deep regret at the disappointment that our supporters must feel and pledge that we will make good with other promotions.” The promotional team gave no reason for the cancellation saying only that a detailed press release would be issued tomorrow.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Education (MoE) snubbed Vybz Kartel saying that it was not supporting a ‘keep the peace’ campaign involving the artiste, which was intended for the National Park on Friday. The ministry spoke of reaffirming its commitment to moulding the minds of young people in a statement released on the event, adding that part of its mandate is to promote wholesome and healthy lifestyle choices.
It was only recently that Vybz Kartel and his lyrical rival Mavado made a pact to keep the peace and end the ‘Gully-Gaza’ feud, which had been brewing between them for some time now. The feud had spilled into the streets of Jamaica fuelling school violence on the island and also had a bit of an impact here.
