Promoter duped in Rebecca Malope deal

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AZimbabwean promoter who organised a United Kingdom gig for South African songbird Rebecca Malope has been swindled of over 6 000 pounds ($9 000) in a botched music show deal.

AZimbabwean promoter who organised a United Kingdom gig for South African songbird Rebecca Malope has been swindled of over 6 000 pounds ($9 000) in a botched music show deal.

By SILAS NKALA

Bulawayo-born Smart Ndlovu of Testimony Entertainment Promotions who had organised Malope’s show in Dublin, Ireland last Friday said the gospel gig was cancelled at the 11th hour after a fallout with another show promoter, Rainbow Entertainment and Promotions.

The show that never was... Rebecca Malope poster for the Ireland gig
The show that never was… Rebecca Malope poster for the Ireland gig

Ndlovu posted on his Facebook wall yesterday: “It is with a great regret that due to some reasons which cannot be publicly disclosed the show of Dr Rebecca Malope has been cancelled. We in Ireland are deeply saddened about the outcome and we sincerely apologise to all of you. We sincerely appreciate your support and looking forward to working with you in future.”

He added: “The guys in UK said to me Rebecca won’t come before she gets her balance of 1 000 pounds which I don’t think it’s true. I gave one Mr Mpofu 6 000 pounds, which he said he paid to Rebecca for the Ireland show and now they say she said she can’t come to Ireland.”

“The problem is that I can’t talk to Rebecca and I think I was robbed by Mr Mpofu of Rainbow Entertainment and Promotions. The only thing I know is that the show is off.”

Ndlovu said the show was supposed to be held on Friday night at the Solid Rock Church in Dublin.

However, Malope performed at the Tower Ballroom in Birmingham, England last night at a show where South African top actor Sello Maake was the master of ceremonies. Supporting acts included Busi Mhlanga, Dexter Mpofu, Tim Ngwenya, Phephile Zwane, Sharon De, Angie, Pineal Munatsi and Kingdom Praise Melodies.

Malope is expected to headline a one-day Gospel Divas’ concert on May 28 at Harare Gardens.

Efforts to get comment from Rainbow Entertainment and Promotions or Malope were fruitless yesterday.