Award-winning music maestro and producer, King Monada, real name Khutso Steven Kgatle, has come out guns blazing against the summons served to him in February by the organisers of Limpopo Arts Movement (LAM). This comes after the Idibala hitmaker failed to perform at the LAM event twice, even after committing himself in a letter signed by his manager Albert Makwela.

FAILING TO PITCH AT PAID GIG

In a letter of demand seen by ZiMoja addressed to King Monada, Thobejane Attorneys acting on behalf of LAM chairperson Mpho 'Mphoza' Mashabela demands a payment of R60 000 from the singer for failing to perform at the Limpopo Legends Awards (LILAs) in November 2022, even after being paid

R35 000. The organisation said in their letter of demand that they paid King Monada R35 00, but he failed to make an appearance where artists like Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Penny Penny, Sello Galane, among others, were going to be honoured. They are demanding that King Monada pays the R35 000 back, R10 000 for pain and suffering and R15 000 for legal fees. They threatened legal action if he did not pay the money within ten days. In defending himself, Monada's lawyers Maloka Sebola Inc. wrote back to Mashabela's lawyers informing them that they will be defending him in the lawsuit. This is despite the fact that King Monada had committed to perform at the 2023 event after failing to make an appearance the previous year.

HE COMMITTED HIMSELF 

After failing to perform at the event in November 2022, King Monada committed to perform at the LILA Awards in 2023 at no extra cost to the organisers. In a letter signed by his manager Makwela, Monada said, "This letter serves as commitment to perform on the next LILA Awards 2023 after the performance scheduled for the 5th of November 2022 didn't materialise. King Monada Music commits itself that the next event will be performed at no additional costs. The amount of R35 000 (Thirty-five thousand) received from Mashabela Mpho, for such event will not be increased to hire fee as per the agreement." Makwela confirmed that the musician has been served with the summons and that he is getting advice from his attorney on what to do next. Asked if he is going to pay back the money or perform to the next event, Makwela responded: "Lets allow the process to be done through lawyers first and then we will take it from there,'

REPEAT OFFENDER

Monada is not new to pulling a no show at paid events. Earlier this year, his family was attacked at their home when a lodge owner filled his truck with people who went to the musician's house in Mokgolobotho village, outside Tzaneen, after he failed to perform at an event on December 21 2023 even after being paid. The singer also made arrangements to perform at the event the following week but failed to pitch. The same December, he was paid R60 000 by Sasha Lifestyle in Thembisa and he was a no-show. He refused to pay back the amount when the establishment demanded their money back.