BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ONE of the Federation’s top artistes, Kervin ‘Infamus’ Benjamin, said that he is upset about the recent advertisement and promotions of him being featured on an event of which he will not be a part.
The ‘Don’t Lose My Love’ and ‘Pocket full of Sunshine’ artiste told SKNVibes that he is being advertised as one of the artistes on an event called ‘Crazy Hype-Episode One’ which is scheduled to be held in Nevis on August 4, at the Culturama Village.
“I just want my fans to know that it’s not my fault. The promoter and I never came to any sort of agreement,” he said.
The event will be held during the annual Culturama activities and is advertised by the promoters as the biggest event for Culturama.
Some of the other acts featured on the event are Nicha B, DJ Rinch, Footsy, Silk, Azkenaz, Sweet Shells, Ali-Dee, Gharlic, Kore Band, Odisi Band, ExtasySound, DJ Flames, Reck Life Movements Scarface Sounds, Brave Heart International and more.
The event will be hosted by Sweet Sister Sensia and Pinnochio.
Benjamin said that his management sent the organizers a contract several weeks ago when they were first contacted about the event and it stated his cost and other requirements needed in order for him to perform at the event.
After reviewing the contract, the organizers were welcome to begin negotiations with the artiste’s management.
However, that did not occur and the artiste began seeing his name promoted on posters advertising the event.
‘On all of the promotional flyers, posters and tickets the name ‘Infamus’ was featured.
Sometime this week, the artiste’s management contacted the organizer of the event to find out if they had accepted their terms as he had seen the name of his artiste advertised on posters promoting the event.
In speaking with SKNVibes, CEO and founder of StarNation Group, CJay Bartlette said that the artiste’s asking price was unfair and felt that the demands in the contract were ridiculous.
SKNVibes learnt that some of the demands included four rooms.
“The contract is ridiculous, just to come over here and do a show, we tried to negotiate and nothing could have been worked out.
“I know they trying to keep a high standard but this is SKN! A show in Nevis, the island right next to St. Kitts,” he said.
He continued: “I love the artiste; don’t get me wrong. I just felt that when it comes to a local show, a local person, an artiste can work better with the price and I didn’t feel they were working with us as well as the other artistes on the show were.
“The money wasn’t an issue, but the demands were a bit ridiculous; for international standards I understand but for a local show just to go from St. Kitts to Nevis, I just find it was a bit overboard, compared to other artistes,” Bartlette said.
Bartlette said that he began promoting Infamus’ name on the flyers after a verbal conversation where they agreed to do the show and that it was too late to print new advertisement.
He said that they are now trying not to mention his name in radio ads.
He also said that he did not review the contract until late.
“It is also a case of miscommunication,” Bartlette said.
Benjamin said that it was immoral and wrong for promoters to promote an artiste on a show for which they did not sign.
He said that he did show interest in being a part of the show but informed Bartlette that a contract would be sent to him.
“When he received the contract he should have contacted management right away if he felt he could not meet the demands. He never got back to us but yet he went and placed my name on his promotions.
“I love performing for the people in both St. Kitts and Nevis and I try my best to work with promoters when they approach me about performing. But at the same time I am trying to build my career and set a standard which everyone doesn’t always agree with. But I plan to do me,” Benjamin said.
He is presently overseas and will be performing in Tortola for the Carrot Bay Festival celebrations which will also feature Jamaican artiste Movado.
