Poptain in R26k row with SA DJ

POPTAIN is embroiled in a R26k debt row with a South Africa-based DJ after he failed to turn up for a show in which he was the main act on December 19 last year.

Born Jaleel Matanga, the Zim dancehall chanter, reportedly fell ill three days before the show in Pretoria.

The show was courtesy of DJ Vybzes, who claims he paid Poptain a R14K deposit, as shown in a contract, which both parties signed.

Air tickets were also paid amounting to R12k.

He was billed to share the stage with King Shaddy, Uncle Epatan and Merciless Zimbabwe.

In an interview, DJ Vybzes said Poptain and his camp were not professional.

“I want my refund because they have failed to fulfil the show,” he said.

“Poptain was the main act at the show that was scheduled for December 19, in Pretoria.

“Other artists came, as per the agreement but three days before the show, his management advised me that Poptain was having some mental problems.

“We had to replace him with Shinso, but fans were not happy as they expected Poptain to perform.”

DJ Vybzes said Poptain’s management did not act professionally.

“Apart from their excuses, I was expecting an official apology since we had paid the deposit.

“I paid him R14k and R12k for return tickets. The damage was so bad that we ended up counting our losses as the fans who attended the show could not stomach it.

“I had to post my displeasure on one of his DJs’ pages,” he added.

Contacted for comment, Poptain blue-ticked questions sent to him.

His manager, Devon Petersen, told this publication he would call after an hour since he was in a meeting.

“Will call in the next hour. Sorry, I am in a meeting,” he said.

However, Peterson did not return the calls as promised.