Sizzla is pushing back against claims made by Odane Anderson, promoter of the One Caribbean Music Festival, that he demanded to be paid the same US$1.35 million fee as Vybz Kartel.

In a statement titled “Clarity of Information for the One Caribbean Music Festival” posted to his Instagram this morning, Sizzla flatly denied the allegation, calling it “a blatant lie.”

The statement reads in part, “Sizzla DID NOT tell the promoter to pay him what he paid the other artist that did not make it to close the show… that’s a blatant lie.”

He clarified that during a meeting with the promoter—who still hadn’t offered to pay 50% of their original contractual amount—he simply suggested the promoter pay half of what was intended for the original headliner, since Sizzla was willing to step in and close the show.

Sizzla added that after that discussion, his team waited in their hotel room “the whole night,” but Anderson never returned.

Though Sizzla strongly rejected the promoter’s claim regarding payment, he did not respond to Anderson’s call for “fairness” in resolving the fallout from the failed event.

Still in Trinidad, Sizzla is set to perform this Saturday at a paid pop-up concert dubbed “One Love” at SoundForge, promising he will not leave the island until he performs for the people. Admission ranges from 250 to 300 TTD, which is approximately 36 to 44 USD.