Promoters clash at Tuku, Macheso show

Promoters clash at Tuku, Macheso show

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By Showbiz Reporter

A MUSIC promoter dipped his hands into the till and made off with thousands of pounds in a furious row with rival promoters during Oliver Mtukudzi and Aleck Macheso's UK tour, New Zimbabwe.com can reveal.

Mtukudzi's manager Debbie Metcalfe is said to have tried to intervene, but to no avail, after promoters disagreed on their share of the show proceeds in Milton Kenyes last Saturday.

"It was a bull in a China-shop situation," an industry source said. "It was out of control."

The two Zimbabwean artists signed a contract with Zimtownship Productions for three shows, but Zimtownship shedded their rights to the London show to another promoter Andersen Chikosha.

Sources say Chikosha went into a partnership with music producer Rodrick Chipezeze, who heads the Shocking Vibes production company.

"For some strange reason, Chipezeze assumed he now had rights to all the other shows in Milton Keynes and Bradford," a source close to the developments said.

Signs of trouble began in London when just over 500 people turned-up, which was a major financial reversal for Chikosha and Chipezeze.

"Things were clearly not going to plan, and Chipezeze together with his backers began negotiations about Milton Keynes but there were really no straight answers. It was at this stage that Debbie came in and tried to cool the discussions," a source said.

As the party left London for Milton Keynes on Saturday, it became increasingly apparent that trouble was brewing.

Flanked by bouncers, Chipezeze is said to have gone to the till and helped himself to the money, thought to run into £5000, according to sources.

This led to a serious bust-up with Zimtownship officials and the nightclub bouncers moved in to usher Chipezeze out of the club. Strangely, he was allowed to go with his loot.

"It appears Zimtownship were desperate to get Chipezeze out of their way and even though he offered to return the money, they would not have it back. Bizarre, but in the world of showbiz its normal," a source said.

The Milton Keynes show, traditionally Mtukudzi's hunting ground, had about 1500 people paying to see the show which gave the promoters a return of about £30 000.

Both Chikosha, Chipezeze and Zimtownship were approached to comment but declined.

It emerged that this was not the first time Chipezeze has had a run-in with Zimtownship. Two years ago, he is said to have helped himself to show proceeds in Wolverhampton.

An industry insider said: "Zimbabweans are a peaceful and fun-loving people but it is lamentable when countrymen, backed by Jamaican cheerleaders, behave like barbarians."

Oliver Mtukudzi - Nhava

Artists and showinfo websites: http://www.chesopower.co.zw/index.htm or http://www.tukumusic.co.zw and http://www.zimtownship.com/
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