Malaika have pulled out of the Econet Live UK tour next month with Oliver Mtukudzi after admitting double booking.
The South African Afro-pop duo of Tshidi Moholo and Bongani Nchang will instead be sharing the stage with American rapper Pharell Williams at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg on February 12.
Malaika’s manager Mike Maswangayi issued a grovelling apology to Econet Mobile, admitting: “It has occurred to me that there has been a scheduling error with regards to your booking of Malaika for the group’s Valentine’s UK performances on the 11th and 12th of February respectively.
“Malaika has been contractually committed to a performance on the 12th February in South Africa and the contractual clash is the responsibility of MBS Music because of our administrative oversight.”
Malaika’s withdrawal has angered tour sponsors Econet Mobile who are using the two concerts in Leicester and London to promote their entry on the UK market.
Although Malaika have offered to “calibrate costs in venue and flight bookings, marketing and tickets sales” following their boob, this would be little consolation to Econet who have drafted in ‘Fairytale’ stars, Liquideep, as a replacement.
Mtukudzi and Liquideep will be performing at the Athena in Leicester on Friday, February 11, and at the Oasis Banqeting Hall in Barking, London, on February 12.
via New Zimbabwe