The vibrant Caribbean entertainment scene was shaken by controversy following the failed Cayman Fiesta event in early November 2025, which saw popular soca artist Alison Hinds unable to perform as scheduled. Hinds has publicly stated that the promoter, Reynolds Entertainment Agency, failed to meet contractual obligations, leading to her withdrawal from the event held from November 7th to 9th, 2025. This incident has sparked a public dispute between the artist and the agency, highlighting underlying issues within the organization of large-scale entertainment events in the region.
Hinds Alleges Promoter’s Disrespect and Disorganization
In a video shared on her Instagram account on November 14, 2025, Alison Hinds, renowned as the “Queen of Soca,” addressed her fans in the Cayman Islands, expressing her regret for not being able to perform at the Cayman Fiesta. She asserted that she arrived ready to perform but was prevented due to what she described as “unprofessionalism, disorganization, and disrespect” from Reynolds Entertainment Agency. Hinds emphasized that her contract clearly stipulates that all business and logistical arrangements must be settled before she takes the stage, a condition she claims was not met by the promoter. The artist stressed that the issue was not with the Caymanian audience, with whom she has a long-standing positive relationship, but solely with the booking agency.
Further compounding the issue, Hinds detailed subsequent travel problems encountered by her and her team. Several artists and crew members reportedly had to stay overnight in Jamaica due to unpaid hotel bills, with front desk staff indicating declined credit cards. Some artists also faced uncertainty regarding confirmed return flights from Cayman. While Hinds confirmed her own and her assistant’s travel arrangements were secure, her DJs’ bookings were mismatched with their group travel times, adding to a “worrying and disappointing” experience. She apologized to her fans and suggested that the organizer should refund anyone who incurred personal costs for accommodation or new tickets.
Promoter’s Rebuttal: Accusations of Unprofessionalism and Damaging Lies
Reynolds Entertainment Agency, led by Tameka Reynolds, has vehemently denied Hinds’ allegations, characterizing them as “damaging and misleading”. The agency claims that Hinds received her full deposit and accuses her of unprofessional conduct by allegedly refusing to participate in scheduled radio interviews and not sharing promotional materials for the event. Tameka Reynolds stated that discussions were held with all performers and that compromises were sought due to unexpectedly low attendance at the soca segment of the event, which reportedly drew only about 150 patrons.
The agency head recounted a 45-minute conversation with Hinds on the day of the show, where Hinds allegedly agreed not to post negative statements and that outstanding balances would be paid by month-end. Reynolds expressed surprise at Hinds’ subsequent public comments, which she labeled as “lies, half-truths, and innuendo” aimed at damaging the agency’s reputation. Specific issues, such as hotel reservations and airline tickets, were also addressed by the agency. Reynolds explained that a hotel booking mishap occurred when staff could not reach her to authorize card use, offering Hinds the option to pay with reimbursement promised. The agency also refuted claims about unpaid airline tickets, stating the airline had cancelled and reissued them, a matter unrelated to Reynolds Entertainment.
Cayman Fiesta’s Wider Failings and Industry Scrutiny
The Cayman Fiesta event itself, which also featured headliners like Rick Ross, was widely reported as a significant failure, marred by low attendance and multiple no-shows. Beyond Alison Hinds, other artists like Young Bredda also reportedly failed to appear due to alleged payment issues, and Rick Ross’s appearance was delayed due to last-minute payment and accommodation arrangements. The disastrous outcome of the event has prompted local authorities to review policies concerning foreign promoters operating in the Cayman Islands, signaling a potential shift in how the entertainment industry manages such events.
Hinds, known for her consistent professionalism throughout her career, has urged fellow artists and industry players to be cautious when considering working with Reynolds Entertainment Agency unless conditions improve. The fallout from the Cayman Fiesta serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and potential pitfalls in organizing international Caribbean entertainment events, impacting both artist reputations and the broader industry’s credibility.