A storm is brewing between a Kenyan media house and Congolese promoter based in Kenya following the chaotic and disappointing Koffi Olomide performance at the MZuqa Festival, held last weekend in Kisumu.
The event, touted as a grand showcase of African music, attracted a large crowd of eager fans, with VVIP tickets priced at Sh10,000 and Sh5,000 for VIP attendees. Yet, rather than delivering on the promise of an electrifying performance by Olomide and his iconic Quartier Latin band, fans were left with a bitter taste in their mouths. The performance was widely criticised as uninspiring a stark contrast to the pre-event hype.
In the weeks leading up to the festival, Olomide had assured his fans of a memorable and energetic show. However, this promise was not fulfilled, leaving fans and organisers grappling with disappointment.
Nsana Jules, the promoter who collaborated with Olomide for the event, has placed the blame squarely on the media house involved, accusing it of breaching their contractual agreement. “The contract stipulated two shows on the 7th and 14th of December, with a deposit of Sh3.9 million (US$30,000) paid after an invoice for Sh7.75 million (US$60,000) was issued. We waited for communication regarding the 7th, but none camethrough, leaving only the 14th event. The company also covered travel logistics for Olomide and Zaiko in business class, with economy tickets for the rest of the entourage,” Jules explained to The Nairobian.
Jules said the disarray began when promotional materials focused solely on the 14th event. “We needed a new contract to reflect this change, as the original was for two shows. Despite this, Koffi arrived ready to perform, but logistical issues plagued the rest of the entourage. The group was to travel via Uganda Airlines to Entebbe and then proceed to Kisumu. Unfortunately, the company’s arrangement for road transport from Entebbe to Kisumu caused significant delays,” Jules revealed.
Jules further pointed out that by the time the group was cleared at the border, Koffi had taken to the stage alone as it was late. “One glaring issue was the lack of security, which had been part of the agreement. Thankfully, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o intervened, allowing Koffi to perform a few songs. However, during this time, his Sh10.3 million (US$80,000) gold chain was stolen in the crowd scuffle. His clothes were torn, and my phone was damaged in the chaos,” Jules recounted.
Jules claimed he was forced to use personal funds to cover the group’s accommodation at the Imperial Express Hotel in Kisumu and later in Nairobi. “There were also penalties at the hotel where Koffi was staying and additional flight costs,” he added.
Jules who has been working with Koffi since 1997, says he was contracted by a mutual friend to help organise the show. His previous gig with the Loi hit maker was also messy with the singer allegedly assaulting one of his dancers, a fete that saw him later deported from the country. “Koffi is sorry about what happened and wishes to apologise to his fans whom he greatly disappointed. We are planning for something bigger and better for his Kisumu fans next year,” he added.
This comes as the company, which had brought him, send the promoter a demand letter, registering its disappointment over the event. “That, however, in a most blatant and egregious breach of the terms the agreement, the artist arrived in the country a few hours before the event while his band never showed up at all. That the artist, therefore, came on the stage late and was reduced to performing an uninspiring and lackluster playback in the absence of his band and to the disappointment of our client and the thousands of enthusiastic fans who had attended the event,” read the letter.
The letter sent through Adera & Kenyatta Advocates and commissioner of oaths further pointed put on a breach of contract where Koffi was scheduled to perform at a Nairobi hotel on April 20th. “We wish to remind you that the artist came to Kenya courtesy of our client, who catered for all his travel and accommodation costs. We further draw to your attention Clause 3.1 of the agreement, which provides that the agreement shall remain in force for a minimum of 30 days from the date of its execution. The upshot of the said clause 3.1 is that the artist is still bound by the terms of the Agreement until its expiry as provided therein,” read the demand.
Jules has, however, denied the same stating that the purported show will not take place. “We do not have any show this year, we are planning that for next year. However, we are demanding that they honour the contract for both Koffi and Zaika. I have engaged my lawyer and he is advising on the next course of action,” Jules said in conclusion.
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