Keyshia Cole R&B Brunch Fallout: A Lesson in Artist Contracts

On May 10, 2025, the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad was buzzing with excitement as the R&B Brunch Festival welcomed international artist Keyshia Cole to the stage. But what should have been a highlight of the evening quickly turned sour when Cole performed just three songs—leaving fans and promoters disappointed and confused. Shortly after, the event’s promoters, Scorch Ltd and its partners, issued a statement clarifying that a 45-minute set had been agreed upon in a formal contract. They asserted that all contractual obligations were met on their end and the unexpected short performance was beyond their control. So, what really happened? And more importantly—what can we in the music industries in developing countries learn from this? This blog post highlights the Keyshia Cole R&B brunch fallout in Trinidad and provides lessons on artist performance contracts!

The Backstory

Scorch Ltd entered into a performance agreement with a booking agent acting on behalf of Keyshia Cole. According to their public release and what they identified as a copy of one of the pages of the agreement, the deal included:

• A 45-minute musical set
• A confirmed performance date (May 10, 2025)
• Covered accommodation, hospitality, and rider requirements

Despite this, Cole’s actual performance lasted approximately 15 minutes. Fans took to social media to vent their frustration and Cole responded cryptically online, stating, “I performed the songs I was told to do.”

Understanding Artist Performance Agreements

This situation underlines the critical role of contracts in artist engagements. A performance agreement typically outlines:

• Artist obligations (duration, type of set)
• Event details (location, date, technical requirements)
• Payment terms
• Hospitality and rider expectations

But contracts are only as strong as the communication that supports them. If an artist isn’t fully briefed—or disagrees with the deliverables—misunderstandings are likely to happen.

Promoters: Protecting Your Investment

For event promoters, the Keyshia Cole R&B Brunch Fallout is a cautionary tale:

• Always confirm expectations directly with the artist and their management whenever possible—not just through their booking agent.
• Consider including a clause for refunds or makeup performances in case of partial delivery.
• Maintain paper trails and email confirmations of all commitments.

Proactive communication and layered protections are your best tools when booking high-profile talent.

Artists and Teams: Know Your Commitments

Artists and their management teams also bear responsibility. Before confirming any gig:

• Ensure the artist has reviewed and agreed to the contract terms.
• Have a clear, pre-approved setlist and timeline.
• Communicate any limits or issues before showtime.

Miscommunication can damage reputations and fan trust. It’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up prepared.

DOWNLOAD NOW: Free Artist Performance Agreement Checklist 

Legal and Ethical Issues

When performance expectations aren’t met, legal remedies may include:

• Breach of contract claims
• Refunds or damages
• Dispute resolution through legal counsel or arbitration

Ethically, artists and promoters alike have a responsibility to honour the spirit of agreements and maintain transparency with fans.

4 Takeaways and Future Models – What Can We Learn?

This high-profile dispute is a reminder that:

• Clear contracts are essential—but clear communication is just as important.
• Promoters should protect themselves with specific clauses and direct artist engagement.
• Artists and managers must stay informed and uphold their professional obligations.
• Promoters should also study an artist’s recent performance history and fan reviews to determine risks

In some US states such as New York and Los Angeles, booking agents are required to be licensed and provide financial security with the state. This is a safeguard that protects artists in the event that the booking agent is unable to fulfil financial obligations to them. The artist can make a claim for compensation from the bond held with the state. From a policy standpoint, it would be wise to have this safeguard also protect foreign promoters. If such existed, Scorch could potentially make a claim against the booking agent’s licence with the state.

At DianJen, we teach this and more in our courses, such as Creative Protection Clinic and Managing the Music Artist. Whether you’re planning shows, negotiating deals, or building a music career, you need to understand the business.

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