“I have to come back and do a real show.” That was the message American R&B star Keyshia Cole sent to fans after a brief three-song set at Trinidad’s R&B Brunch Festival left the audience disappointed and confused.
Held at Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the highly anticipated festival had billed Cole as its headline act. But the excitement quickly turned to frustration when the Grammy-nominated singer ended her performance after just three songs—well short of what fans expected from a headliner.
Cole later took to social media to explain: “I was only asked to do 3!!!! And that’s not ok. You guys wanted and expected more. I’m so sad.” She added, “I have to come back and do a real show.”
However, event promoters SCORCH Ltd., along with co-promoters AIR Committee and the Ricky Raghunanan Group of Companies, offered a starkly different account in a formal statement.
According to SCORCH Ltd., a formal agreement had been made with Cole’s authorized booking agent for a 45-minute performance. The promoters stated they “honoured [their] full financial obligations under the contract, including payment of the agreed performance fee,” as well as covering “all accommodation, hospitality, and technical rider requirements.”
They stressed that the abbreviated set was “significantly shorter than what was contractually agreed” and was “entirely beyond [their] control.” The company also revealed that they are currently engaging with Cole’s team and “considering all legal remedies available under the agreement.”
Social media erupted in the wake of the performance, with fans venting their disappointment at what many described as a letdown. For some, this was a rare opportunity to see Cole live in the Caribbean.
“I came from Tobago just to see Keyshia Cole,” one fan posted. “I can’t believe it was over so fast.”
While both sides have now shared their version of events, one thing remains undisputed: fans were left wanting more. SCORCH Ltd. and its partners have thanked the public for their support and reaffirmed their commitment to “transparency and excellence in entertainment.”
As for Keyshia Cole, fans are now holding her to her promise: to return to Trinidad and deliver the full show they were expecting.
