After missing a couple of shows because she is a top-drawer artist and much sought after at gigs, Makhadzi has learnt a tough lesson. 

SHE LEFT FANS HIGH AND DRY 

The Ghanama hitmaker missed the White Lifestyle gig at Kempton Park on April 30 after being paid R80 000 by the organisers of the event. It’s now emerged that she has made arrangements with the organisers to pay back the money she charged for the gig. She has apparently opted to perform for free at the event to be held in September as she allegedly is unable to pay them back. This happens at a time when she had left her record label, Open Mic Productions, after a fight over money she claimed is owed to her. Her no-show at the gig left music lovers furious. She was billed to share the stage with Somizi, Sjava, Young Stunna, DJ Fresh and DJ Maphorisa, among other popular acts.

IT BECAME A LEGAL MATTER

ZiMoja has learnt that the organisers took Makhadzi to their lawyers, demanding that she pays the money after she did not show up. "After she got the letter of demand from organisers, she told them that she won’t be able to pay as things are not looking good for her financially at the moment," a reliable source told ZiMoja. Another source close to Makhadzi says she wanted to make payment arrangements but her request was rejected. "That is when the idea to perform for free at an upcoming event came about," says the source. ZiMoja can reveal that Makhadzi will be in the line-up to perform for free at The Exclusive White Spring Picnic to be held on 2 September at the Dries Niemandt Park in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.

BIG ACTS TO PERFORM AT THE EVENT

Apart from Makhadzi, other confirmed artists to perform at the gig include the likes of fan favourite, Somizi, gospel artist Lebo Sekgobela, Mafikizolo, Afro Pop star Ringo Madlingozi, Boohle, Busiswa, DJ Tira, T-Bose, DJ Kent, Lerato Kganyago and Dladla Mshunqisi, amongst others. ZiMoja has also learnt that Makhadzi won’t be included in the poster. "The organisers have learnt their lessons, they won’t take that chance again as last time things almost became ugly when fans started demanding their money after she lied and kept saying she is about five minutes away. This time she has been asked to commit herself in writing and it must be signed by her legal representatives, then they will consider including her in their posters," adds the source.

BEST OPTION OUT OF HER FINANCIAL SITUATION

Another source close to the situation says this is the best option for Makhadzi as she is facing a lot of challenges." If I were her, I would be happy to settle my debt by dancing and performing. She should consider herself lucky that she is able to come out of the situation easily," adds the source. When called, the organiser Grego Villa said he is not at liberty to comment. "I don’t discuss my business with the media, but also this is a legal matter you can ask whoever told you to comment," he said. When ZiMoja called Makhadzi, her phone rang unanswered but her manager Lucky Tshilimandila said they were considering giving the organisers their money back because as her management they were not aware of the arrangement.