Jamaican dancehall superstar Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer has firmly denied any involvement in a planned East African tour in May 2026, warning fans and promoters about potential scams after organisers of the newly launched Talanta Festival East Afrika in Kampala announced him as the headline act.

In a statement posted on his verified social media platforms, Kartel made it clear that neither he nor his management had any knowledge of or involvement in the proposed shows.

“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,” Kartel 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.”

He added: “Any individuals, promoters, or platforms claiming to be booking or advertising these shows are acting without authorization and are misleading the public. 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 reminded followers that all official announcements regarding his appearances and tours would come directly from his verified platforms or authorised representatives — specifically his manager Linton T.J. White and attorney Jason Mitchell.

“Anyone falsely using my name to promote unauthorised events will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.

The denial follows the March 4, 2026 launch of Talanta Festival East Afrika at Tennis Court Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala, where organisers unveiled Kartel as the headline performer for the main concert scheduled for May 1, 2026, at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

Festival founder and music producer George Kagoda (Bushingtone) described the event as a platform to celebrate East African music, culture, and heritage while building a strong regional entertainment market.

“We pray we bring reality to this dream,” Kagoda said at the launch. “We feel the market is big but as East African creatives we have failed to utilise it because we are always seeking validation from other regions.”

The festival is planned as a travelling event across East Africa, starting in Kampala before moving to Kenya and Rwanda.

The lineup includes Ugandan artistes such as Elijah Kitaka, Aaron X, Cindy Sanyu, DJ Litto, Etaniah, and the DJ duo Roja & Slick Stuart, alongside regional talents from Kenya (Charisma, Faramo, Necessary Noize, Wyre, Nazizi), Rwanda (Element EleéeH, Graffiti, Shaffy), and surprise performers from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Emcee Edwin Katamba (MC Kats) said the idea originated from Kagoda’s question about why East African artistes rarely feature at global festivals like Summerfest, Coachella, and Afro Nation.

Kartel’s statement now casts significant doubt on the previously announced headline performance and raises questions about the accuracy of the festival’s promotional materials.

No immediate response has been issued from the Talanta Festival organisers or George Kagoda at the time of publication.