Story and photos Courtesy: Overtime Media
American R&B star Keyshia Cole shocked fans at the first-ever R&B Brunch event in Trinidad on Saturday night by abruptly leaving the stage after performing just two to three songs. Patrons expecting a full set were left stunned and disappointed. Cole, who was co-headlining alongside Jamaican Dancehall artist Dexta Daps, posted on Instagram earlier that day about being hungover and visiting a local KFC. She later claimed she had only been contracted to perform three songs, posting: “I have to come back and do a real show… that’s not ok, you guys wanted and EXPECTED MORE 😥 I’m so sad.”
Organizers—Air Committee, Scorch Radio, and the Ricky Raghunanan Group—had advertised a one-hour set from each headliner. Cole was scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. but only arrived at the venue around 9:45 p.m., taking the stage just after 10. After approximately 15 minutes, she exited without addressing the audience. Scorch founder Kwesi Hopkinson revealed the contract was for a 45-minute performance, but the booking agent had only paid Cole for 20 minutes. She was reportedly paid an additional, undisclosed sum backstage.
Dexta Daps stepped in and stole the show, returning to the stage with Cole briefly to offer a touching Mother’s Day tribute. Kneeling with a red rose in hand, he thanked her before launching into a high-energy set featuring hits like “Call Me,” “No Underwear,” and “Wifi,” igniting the crowd of over 3,000. His smooth vocals and charming stage presence salvaged the evening, turning confusion into celebration and drawing loud applause from fans.
Earlier in the evening, local artists like Preedy, Hey Choppi, Jimmy October, and Erphaan Alves delivered standout performances despite a late start. The event, held at a new venue near QRC, featured gourmet food, endless bar options, and a celebrity-filled riser with guests like Brian Lara, MP David Lee, and designer Sandra Hordatt. Social media was flooded with memes and debates about Cole’s short set. Organizers later released a statement with a contract screenshot confirming their position and noted they are reviewing their legal options.
