News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Friday. November 29, 2024: US-based Trinidadian Soca artist Kevon “Yankey Boy” Heath has launched a hunger strike to protest Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel’s planned performance on the Friday of Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kartel, known offstage as Adidja Palmer, will perform at the One Caribbean Music Festival on February 28, 2025, the same night as the much-anticipated Soca Monarch competition.
Vybz Kartel
Expressing his disappointment on Instagram, Yankey Boy admitted his admiration for Kartel, but expressed concerns about the timing of the event. “Soca Monarch is a platform for our upcoming artists to showcase their talent. The Cartel’s behavior on this night could darken our culture,” he said.
He also criticized the mixing of dancehall and Soca during major Caribbean events, noting experiences at Brooklyn Labor Day and Miami Carnival. “This does not represent our culture. It is a loss for Soca,” he said.
Promoters respond
In a statement, organizers of the One Caribbean Music Festival clarified that the event will have a diverse lineup with 80% Soca and 20% other genres. “Our event aims to celebrate the best of Caribbean music while respecting Trinidad’s rich carnival traditions,” the statement read.
Organizers also dismissed a viral social media video confirming Kartel’s performance, pointing out that it was not officially released by the festival. Full lineup details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mixed reactions from the industry
The debate has sparked a wide-ranging discussion on social media and airwaves. Soca star Fayann Lyons-Alvarez championed the inclusion of dancehall acts, emphasizing unity among Caribbean artists. “We have been part of reggae shows and festivals. It’s about promoting culture and celebrating our common heritage,” she said.
Lyons-Alvarez dismissed claims that the Cartel’s presence would diminish Soca’s importance, noting, “Soca Monarch hasn’t been held in years, yet there hasn’t been this level of protest. This festival is a showcase, not a check.”
As discussions continue, One Caribbean Music Festival organizers say they remain committed to presenting a celebration of the region’s diverse music and culture, ensuring Soca remains a focal point for Carnival 2025.
