King Monada loses R49k court battle over missed performance
King Monada has once again found himself on the losing side of a legal battle after failing to pitch for a booked performance.
The Limpopo hitmaker has been ordered by the Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court to refund local promoter Eric Thoka R49 000, along with legal costs, for missing an event almost two years ago.
Thoka confirmed the court’s ruling, saying the matter was heard on July 25 and decided in his favour.
“The court ruled in our favour and ordered him to refund us. But given his arrogance, I wouldn’t be surprised if he appeals because he didn’t even show up in court, only his lawyer did, taking instructions over the phone,” he told Sunday World.
The promoter said the judgement proves he was telling the truth about booking the Idibala star.
“It’s a pity it had to go this far, but this was never personal. It was about principle, we needed to recover our money after he humiliated us by not showing up. I’ll never book him again,” he said.
The dispute stems from a December 2022 booking for a New Year’s Day 2023 festival in Lebowakgomo.
Thoka claims he paid the Skabhora Moreki singer in advance, printed promotional materials, and sold tickets based on his appearance, only for Monada to attend another event in Pretoria on the day of the show.
“When we called to check on his whereabouts, he said he was in Pretoria and would make it on time. Later, when it was almost his turn to perform, his phone was off,” Thoka recalled.
He alleges that Monada later complained about his fee, claiming it wasn’t enough for a headline act, and promised to return the money, a promise that was never fulfilled.
“After months of excuses, we went the legal route,” Thoka said.
This is not Monada’s first no-show scandal. Last year, Limpopo Artists Movement chairperson Mphoza Mashabela also won a lawsuit against the singer for failing to honour a booking and refusing to refund payment.