Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has dismissed claims circulating online that he will be touring East Africa and performing in Kenya in May 2026, warning fans that the information being shared is false and potentially linked to scams.
The Jamaican artiste, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, issued a statement clarifying that neither he nor his management team has confirmed any concerts in the region.
“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. 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,” he said.
Kartel further cautioned that individuals promoting the alleged events are acting without authorization and misleading the public.
“Any individuals, promoters, or platforms claiming to be booking or advertising these shows are acting without authorization and are misleading the public.”
The dancehall icon urged fans, promoters and entertainment venues to be cautious and avoid making payments to anyone claiming to organize the shows.
“Fans, promoters, and venues are strongly advised not to engage with or send money to anyone making such claims, as these may be scams.”
Kartel emphasized that any legitimate announcements about his performances will only come from his verified platforms or authorized representatives.
According to the statement, the only people allowed to speak or act on his behalf are his manager, Linton T. J. White, and attorney, Jason Mitchell.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all official announcements regarding Vybz Kartel appearances and tours will come directly from my verified platforms or from my authorized representatives only.”
He concluded by warning that those falsely using his name to promote unauthorized events will face consequences.
Background to the Claims
The clarification comes just days after reports circulated in Kenyan media claiming that Kartel was set to headline a major regional music event in East Africa.
According to earlier reports, the dancehall heavyweight had allegedly been booked to headline the Talanta East Afrika Festival, a cultural showcase expected to tour several cities in the region in May 2026. The event was said to include performances in Kampala, Kigali and Nairobi.
Organisers had reportedly announced that the festival would begin in Kampala, Uganda, on May 1 before heading to Kigali, Rwanda, on May 2, with the final show scheduled for May 8 in Nairobi at Laureate Gardens along Thika Road.
The festival was marketed as a cross-border platform celebrating music, fashion and culture while positioning East Africa as a growing hub for large-scale entertainment events.
However, Kartel’s latest statement now casts doubt on those claims, making it clear that no such tour has been confirmed by his team.
Despite the confusion, Kartel remains one of the most influential figures in dancehall music globally and enjoys a massive fan base across Africa, particularly in Kenya where his music continues to dominate clubs, radio playlists and street culture.
For now, fans hoping to see the “Worl’ Boss” perform in Kenya will have to wait for an official announcement directly from his camp.
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