BOIPATONG – Throngs of Mlindo the Vocalist fans were left frustrated as their beloved musician failed to pitch at the much-hyped 988 Carwash and Chesanyama gig in Boipatong, Vanderbijlpark.
The crowd, which had come to usher in the spring season in style, filled up the popular joint anticipating to be serenaded by the sweet sounds of the AmaBlesser hitmaker…
But the popular Amapiano singer was nowhere to be seen.
It is alleged that Lindokuhle Mgedeza [the singer’s real name] decided to ditch the establishment following a heated telephonic discussion between him and the owner due to his performance delay.
However, Mlindo’s manager Trevor Yende alleges the singer’s no-show was due to the threats he received prior to his arrival at the venue.
“We had an arrangement with the establishment and we continued to engage with them professionally until the owner called the artist directly and threatened him. Mlindo decided to ditch the venue right after that altercation. I don’t know where he got Mlindo’s number, however, this is exactly why we prefer establishments to talk to us directly, rather than dealing with artists,” Yende said.
The popular social hangout spot rubbished the claims, saying Mlindo became arrogant on the phone while he was late for his performance.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the manager at the establishment, Moreki Thokoana, said they had paid the artist R22 000 for his appearance.
“We paid R11 000 as a deposit to book him and later sent another R11 000 balance as a confirmation for his performance. Mlindo was supposed to get on stage around 20:00. When I texted him, he said he was nearly at the venue, only to find out he was lying,” Thokoana said.
“When we called him later, he didn’t respond to my calls. The owner called him using his cellphone, they [Mlindo and managing team] said they were close. We sent a message and they claimed they would arrive around 22:00. After that they never responded to our calls,” Thokoana explained.
Yende said his artist has since requested account details of 988 to refund the money paid to him.
Thokoana has since taken the opportunity to apologise to their patrons, adding they were organising a free event with a different headliner that will only be announced on their social media pages soon.
