PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Fans turned violent at a phony Toni Braxton concert when they realised they were serenaded by an "imitation act" instead of the R&B star.

The six-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter was reportedly touted to play a gig in the Republic of Suriname on February 27, but the crowd turned violent and demanded a refund when they realised they had been duped.

Tickets for the concert were sold for US$20 and US$25 while VIP tickets cost US$55.

The impersonator, US entertainer Trina Johnson, insisted that she was hired as an "imitation act" and was unaware concert-goers were led to think otherwise.

When Johnson was into her second song, fans began rioting and threw bottles at the stage, before looting bars at the show's venue. Johnson, had to be rescued by security guards.

"At least this will compensate for my loss," a man said running away from a bar where he grabbed two bottles of whiskey from the shelves.

Authorities said this was "a clear cut case of fraud" and have launched a criminal investigation into the event hoax. However, no arrests have been made as the gig promoter had disappeared, fleeing without paying sponsors, organisations and stage personnel hired for the concert.

Suspicions were raised in the days leading up to the concert as no press conference had been called or interviews conducted with the singer as organisers claimed that she was "too tired from her flight".

Meanwhile, Braxton has threatened to sue concert promoters for "victimising" her fans.

A representative for the star told TMZ.com, "Toni Braxton is aware of what happened and is obviously displeased with what happened. "She regrets that both she and her fans have been victimised by this hoax. Ms Braxton's attorneys are exploring the legal ramifications."

- CNA/il