Makhadzi in no-show, and no refund either

Miga Events has accused musician Makhadzi of failing to perform at their April event and ignoring their requests for a refund. 

The singer was booked for a family picnic event in Mahikeng’s Ramatlhabama on Easter Sunday at a cost of R70,000, a payment made in two parts. But Makhadzi pulled a no-show.

According to Miga Events booking agent Nthabiseng Tshephe, trouble started when Makhadzi’s management team would not respond to any of Miga Events’ requests – such as for a promotional video. Their biggest red flag came when the team requested that Miga change Makhadzi’s performance time to 11pm from the 8pm slot that was agreed upon. 

“At that point we were hearing rumours from fellow industry people that Makhadzi normally doesn’t pitch for gigs. We asked one of her management people, known as Dineo, and she promised that we will not be left out in the cold,” said Tshephe.

“On the eve of the event, April 16th, the road manager named Mpho called to ask if we won’t be postponing due to the heavy rains that weekend. We informed her that our stage was covered, and that there were no rains in Mahikeng that day. Later that evening, around 8pm, they came back and said they have a problem and that Makhadzi was in Venda and her car had broken down. We asked that they make alternative plans because it was too late to cancel the concert but they ignored our calls since,” she said. 

Miga Events investigated the no-show and found that Makhadzi was performing in Venda on the same day she was booked for Mahikeng.

In communications seen by Sowetan, Makhadzi’s management team has promised to refund Miga Events, but nothing has been done to date.

When Sowetan reached out to Makhadzi’s team, a man known only as Mulalo insisted they had made the payment on Friday, but Tshephe denied the claim. 

Dineo from Makhadzi’s team said the singer had cancelled all her gigs for that day because of the rain and this was communicated to Miga in the morning. 

“The promoter requested the video and the apology video was sent to the event organiser as requested. According to our records the client has been paid in full. We value our clients and will always make sure that any inquiry sent to the office is resolved,” said Dineo.

When Sowetan requested proof of payment Dineo responded: “It has been paid, it is Standard Bank to FNB [the transaction] that was paid on Friday, maybe it’s taking time to reflect but it has been paid. Due to the Popi [Protection of Personal Information] Act we can’t share such information.”