There was drama in Johannesburg, South Africa after Zimdancehall chanter Jah Signal refused to vacate a hotel room and go on stage to perform, leading to some disgruntled fans throwing cans and other missiles on stage.
Jah Signal was billed to perform at the Newtown Music Factory, at a gig organised by promoter PK July.
According to the promoter, Jah Signal’s camp had been changing goalposts in the lead-up to the performance, which culminated in the chanter’s refusal to leave his hotel room before the performance.
“I had a deal with them that whatever amount they charged me, it was inclusive of their flights. They had to request that I include their dancers who had to travelled from Zimbabwe by bus,” said July.
“I had paid 80% of their performance fees and the difference was due on the day before their performance. I asked that they should come and perform but they were not picking up my calls.
The promoter claimed that Jah Signal and his entourage tried to intimidate him after some crowd trouble.
“There was chaos in the venue as some fans started throwing cans onto the stage in frustration. To my surprise, Jah Signal came to the venue at around 3am with some bouncers, trying to intimidate me.
“I told them straight that it was late and I don’t owe them anything. This isn’t the first time I am dealing with his artist and I am surprised with the way he decided to react this time,” July said.
Jah Signal’s manager, Hillary “Punchline” Mutake accused the promoter of not telling the entire truth.
“The promoter is being economical with the truth. The fact is he did not pay us in full as agreed and we did not perform. The so-called bouncer is actually our driver that we move around with when we are in Johannesburg,” he said.
