Keri Hilson
PHILIPSBURG--International singer Keyshia Cole informed St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) on Tuesday, April 9, that she will not be able to perform as part of the Soulful Company line-up in St. Maarten on April 25.
Keyshia’s management explained that the singer could not perform due to health issues beyond her control. Her management provided the explanation in writing and expressed her willingness to perform in St. Maarten at a later date.
SCDF also possesses a letter from Keyshia’s physician explaining the medical issue, which the foundation says is a serious one. Due to the personal nature of the issue and Keyshia’s international status, parties have agreed not to make this private information public.
SCDF expressed best wishes to Keyshia for a quick recovery.
The foundation immediately swung into action that same day to book a replacement artiste of the same R&B genre. Through close cooperation with its booking agent, SCDF managed to land singer/songwriter Keri Hilson, who is very happy to be added to the Soulful Company line-up which also includes Ashanti and Ja Rule.
“This is life. And medical issues affect all of us at times. When it comes to health, that takes priority and Keyshia’s management as well as Keyshia herself is really regretful about not being able to perform for her fans in St. Maarten,” SCDF said on Thursday.
“We are very excited to be able to add Keri Hilson to the Soulful Company line-up and all of it in one day. Keri is a terrific singer who is known for her own chart-topping hits as well as many ‘collabs’ with other artistes.
“Soulful Company is a concept we are adamant about nurturing and growing, and for Carnival 50 we still expect a great concert event.”
