South African artists Koketso Ramafuthula better known as Luna Florentino and Didintle Mokhine, known as Dee Xclsv are facing a legal battle after failing to comply with a letter of demand served to them on the 23rd of February by Punchline Media, the same company managing Zakes Bantwini.
A LETTER OF DEMAND
The Platinum-selling artists and SAMA-nominated independent record label and talent management agency Punchline Media, which managed both artist's careers from 2017 to 2021, directed its legal counsel, I Chauke Attorneys, to proceed with a letter of demand against both artists after they failed to settle the arrears for expenses accrued in the rendering of its services during their period of engagement. Punchline Media has served Dee Xclsv and Luna Florentino with a letter of demand for unpaid debt and non-compliance. It is alleged that Dee Xclsv owes the company R25 000 and Luna R19 000. In a statement sent to ZiMoja, Punchline media says, "After serving the Letter of Demand, I Chauke Attorneys granted the two artists seven days to make full payment."
THE LETTER OF DEMAND
The letter sent by Punchline Media reads, "Our client entered into a contract with yourself for the provision of Marketing and Promotion services. In the performance of its obligation of the contract, our client marketed and promoted yourself and thereafter issued an invoice." The company goes on to say, "You have failed to perform your obligations of the contract which was to pay our client. Should you fail to make payment within seven days, we will commence with legal proceedings without any further notice and seek costs on attorney and own client scale." Now that seven days have passed, Punchline's attorneys will now commence with legal proceedings against both artists.
WHAT THE COMPANY ALLEGEDLY DID FOR THE NEWCOMERS
Punchline Media claims to have assembled Manu WorldStar, Luna Florentino, Dee Xclsv, and Tony X to form a popular hip-hop clique that becomes known in rap circles as Punchline. "Manu became the breakout star of the clique with his massive afro-pop debut "Nalingi", which went on to become one of the biggest songs in SA and was certified platinum by RiSA. He then collaborated with the likes of Sjava, Anatii, and Focalistic on his SAMA-nominated debut album "Molimo". During this period the label says they licensed Dee's music through a deal with Universal Music, but that ultimately became an unsuccessful undertaking. "The label invested heavily in Luna Florentino's projects "Florentino Mariachi" and "Fresh Prince of Rustenburg", which were both commercial flops. Shortly thereafter Punchline cut ties with the collective. After efforts to recoup outstanding balances privately, Punchline was forced to take legal action when both artists became uncooperative."
