Vybz Kartel denies East Africa tour

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Plans to bring Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel to East Africa have been thrown into uncertainty after the artist publicly denied knowledge of the tour, just hours after promoters announced the shows in Kampala.

Earlier this month, organisers from Tunez Records Uganda held a press conference at Tennis Court Restaurant in Lugogo, where they unveiled the Talanta East Afrika Festival.

During the briefing, promoters revealed that Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, would headline the opening concert of the festival scheduled for May 1, 2026, at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

According to Bushington of Tunez Records Uganda, the organisers, the Kampala show was expected to feature a blend of international and Ugandan performers sharing the stage with the dancehall icon. Among the artists announced were Elijah Kitaka, Cindy Sanyu and Aaronx.

Promoters further explained that the Kampala event would mark the beginning of a regional tour across East Africa. After the Uganda show, the festival is expected to continue with a performance in Kigali on May 2 at BK Arena before concluding in Nairobi on May 8.

However, shortly after the announcement, Kartel took to his social media platforms to distance himself from the proposed East African tour.

“It has come to my attention that a post is circulating claiming that I will be embarking on an East African tour in May 2026,” the artist wrote. “Let me be absolutely clear, neither my management nor I have any knowledge of, or involvement in, any such tour. No East African shows have been announced or confirmed by my team.”

The Jamaican star also cautioned fans and promoters against engaging with individuals advertising the concerts without authorization, warning that such claims could potentially mislead the public.

Kartel stressed that all official announcements regarding his performances would only come through his verified platforms or authorised representatives, including his manager Linton T.J. White and attorney Jason Mitchell.

Following the statement, questions quickly emerged about the status of the Kampala concert. Responding to the matter, Conrad Kaheru, the Head of Business and Investment at National Council of Sports confirmed that the venue had already been booked.

“Regarding the show scheduled for May 1, 2026 at Lugogo Cricket Oval, the venue was booked for that date,” Kaheru said.

According to Kaheru, the lead promoter has since travelled out of the country to resolve the matter.

“An official statement from the artist’s management will confirm the May 1 show, after which online platforms will reopen for ticket bookings and other updates,” he said.

For now, the fate of the much-publicized concert remains unclear.