King Monada Loses Legal Case Over Missed Performance

Popular Limpopo-born musician King Monada has been ordered by the Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court to refund a local event promoter after failing to appear for a booked performance nearly two years ago. The court ruled that the “Idibala” hitmaker must pay back R49,000 along with legal costs, following a dispute stemming from a no-show on New Year’s Day 2023.

The promoter, Eric Thoka, took legal action after King Monada allegedly breached their performance agreement by skipping a scheduled event in Lebowakgomo. Thoka confirmed the ruling, which took place on July 25, saying the court found in his favour after months of legal wrangling.

“The court ruled in our favour and ordered him to refund us,” Thoka told Sunday World.
“But given his arrogance, I wouldn’t be surprised if he appeals. He didn’t even show up in court, only his lawyer appeared, and he was taking instructions over the phone.”

Background: The Disputed Performance Agreement

According to Thoka, the dispute began in December 2022 when King Monada was booked to headline a New Year’s Day festival on January 1, 2023. Thoka alleges that he paid the artist R49,000 upfront to secure the booking. Promotional posters were printed, marketing campaigns were launched, and tickets were sold with King Monada listed as the main act.

However, on the day of the event, the artist was reportedly not in Lebowakgomo but in Pretoria for another performance. This led to confusion and chaos among festivalgoers and event organizers, with Thoka scrambling to contact the star as the scheduled performance time approached.

“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 explained.

Thoka says the experience was not only financially damaging but also humiliating. Fans were left disappointed, and the promoter faced backlash for an event that failed to meet expectations due to the missing headliner.

Legal Action and Court Judgment

After months of back-and-forth communication, Thoka claims that King Monada promised to refund the money, citing dissatisfaction with the agreed performance fee. However, no refund was made, and the promoter eventually decided to pursue the matter legally.

“After months of excuses, we went the legal route,” Thoka said.
“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.”

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The Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court ruled that King Monada must repay the R49,000 booking fee and cover the legal costs incurred during the dispute. While the artist was not physically present in court, his legal representative reportedly participated by phone.

Pattern of Missed Performances

This is not the first time King Monada has found himself in hot water over missed shows. In a separate incident last year, the Limpopo Artists Movement also took legal action against the singer for failing to perform at a previously agreed event and refusing to return the payment.

Mphoza Mashabela, the chairperson of the movement, successfully sued King Monada in that matter, raising concerns within the local music industry about professionalism and accountability.

These repeated incidents are now beginning to impact King Monada’s reputation among promoters and fans alike. Industry professionals have started expressing hesitation in booking the artist, citing concerns about reliability and potential financial losses.

The legal dispute has stirred conversation within the South African music scene, especially in Limpopo, where King Monada enjoys a loyal fan base. Many promoters and fellow artists have called for stronger contractual standards and better communication between performers and organizers to prevent such issues.

Event organizers stress that artist no-shows not only affect the financial aspect of an event but also damage the trust between fans, promoters, and performers.

“Artists need to understand that when they agree to a booking, people invest time and money based on that commitment,” one local promoter said.
“We can’t keep making excuses for this kind of behaviour.”

What’s Next for King Monada?

Despite his legal woes, King Monada remains a household name in South African music. Known for hits like “Idibala,” “Malwedhe,” and “Ska Bhora Moreki,” his music continues to enjoy airplay and streaming popularity. However, if such incidents continue, they could threaten both his career opportunities and relationships within the industry.

Whether King Monada plans to appeal the court’s ruling or settle the debt remains to be seen. For now, the judgment stands—and for promoter Eric Thoka, it marks the end of a stressful chapter.

“I’ll never book him again,” Thoka said firmly.
“This industry needs accountability.”

As the entertainment world watches closely, the saga serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars are not above the law—and that professionalism remains key to long-term success in the music industry.

Source – EWN