Popular Durban musicians Bongekile "Babes Wodumo" Simelane and Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane are facing intense legal pressure following a double breach of contract at the Action Bar in Shakaskraal, KwaDukuza. The artists allegedly failed to appear for two separate scheduled performances despite receiving advanced booking payments.
The legal standoff began when the duo failed to show up for an initial booking on May 2 this year. In an attempt to rectify the situation, venue owner Johnson Govender agreed to reschedule their appearances for a subsequent event on June 27. Although both artists recorded and posted promotional videos assuring fans they would attend the second date, they failed to arrive yet again. Management has since initiated legal proceedings due to unreturned funds, operational expenses, and severe reputational damage.
According to served legal documents, Naledi Aphiwe’s booking fee was set at R30,000, while Babes Wodumo was booked for R16,000. Govender confirmed that while Naledi has since returned R25,000, he is pursuing the remaining balance and full compensation for the dual event costs.
The venue owner resorted to formal litigation after the musicians stopped answering phone calls and ignored official emails. The civil dispute coincides with unconfirmed weekend reports alleging that Babes Wodumo was arrested for contempt of court, though the Gqom star active on social media posted pictures dismissing the claims.
Should performance venues implement stricter financial penalties and automated court orders for high-profile artists who repeatedly fail to show up for paid gigs? Let us know below.
0 Comments