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Makasi are locked in a dispute over US$150 deposit for a show in Beitbridge.
The musicians did not turn up, but declined to repay the deposit saying they are putting the cash towards what they are owed for previous performances.
The money was US$100 for Kudzi and US$50 for Olinda.
However, the musicians have lashed back at Gakaka, accusing him of being a bogus promoter whose promotion music venture was not even registered with the arts regulatory body in the country, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Gakaka, who is also a gospel musician in his own right, said after paying the artistes the money which was part of the deposit for a show held at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge on July 2, they however, failed to fulfil their part of the bargain.
“We met in Harare and paid them the money, but they failed to pitch up.
“Olinda received the money through husband who was claiming to be her manager. We think this was daylight robbery because ever since the day of the show, they have been evasive and are nowhere to be found to refund us our money,” said Gakaka, while Makasi constantly chipped in.
Contacted for comment, Olinda referred all questions to her husband, Michael Ziwenga.
Michael said he was infuriated by Gakaka’s conduct.
“Those promoters you are talking about are bogus promoters, they are not registered. Rather than for him to go all over town claiming that we owe him US$50, he should be the one who should pay us the money he owes from previous shows where Olinda performed and they failed to pay her the full amount.
“What is US$50 to me? Remember, I had a US$10 000 wedding and someone accuses me of running away with US$50. I can give him (Gakaka) the US$50 at any time but we took that money since he owes us.
“Imagine, we charge money in the range of US$800 to US$1 500 for a show outside Harare and it is laughable that he paid that little amount as deposit,” fumed Michael.
In the battle over the cash, he had made a report to Harare Central Police Station but so far the police seem to regard the dispute as non-criminal since they have taken no action.
Michael said he also reported the promoters to the National Arts Council and the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association and said he had been told the promoters were not registered.
The dispute has widened to include the posters put up by the promoters with Michael saying they had included the names of the artistes without permission, although the promoters thought they had a deal.
Online Reporter