Ksh 10 million pay demand that could stop Koffi Olomide Nairobi concert

Congolese Rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide has dismissed claims that his Nairobi concert could be canceled over allegations that he owes a local promoter Ksh10 million for an aborted 2016 concert.

Through his lawyers, Olomide has confirmed that his concert scheduled on Saturday, December 9, in Nairobi will go on as planned.

On the other hand, a promoter who had organized for Olomide’s concert that was canceled in 2016, is demanding a refund of Ksh10 million, incurred as expenses at that time, plus interest.

Through their lawyers, the promoters are demanding a refund.

“Strictly note that we are under instructions to demand from you, which we hereby do, that you immediately pay back to our clients $50, 032/- (at the current rate) and Ksh1,410,000 plus interest at current rate from the date of the performance to payment in full, within 12 hours from date of this demand, clients intend to stop your show at The Dome, Jamhuri Showground on Ngong’ Road in Nairobi, on 9th December 2023,” read part of a statement to Olomide.

Congolese musician Koffi Olomide. Photo: Courtesy

The promoters of the 2016 concert have also informed the administrative units of the venue where Olomide is set to perform about plans to suspend the show, until he pays the said amount.

This was after the Congolese musician failed to perform during the concert in 2016 after he was deported back to Congo for allegedly assaulting one of his female dancers before the show.

“We are told that due to your conduct, of assaulting one of your dancers, due to misunderstanding between yourselves, you were ejected from the country, and failed to perform as expected.

“Our clients thus suffered loss of expected earnings from the event. Your being deported was self-inflicted and thus any liability is directly borne by you, and not our clients,” the lawyers noted in the notice to Olomide.

Additionally, the promoters stated that they had made several attempts to get the refund from the Congolese musician without success.

Consequently, they have vowed to stop the upcoming Saturday event, unless he pays the amount in full.

“Kindly note that you are criminally liable for obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to various sections of the Penal Code, and other laws,” they informed Olomide.

Koffi Olomide landed in Nairobi on December 6, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the December 9 concert.

Speaking during a press briefing at JKIA, Koffi said he was grateful for an opportunity to return to Kenya and showcase his talent.

“I want to say thank you to the government and the people of Kenya as a whole, and it feels good to be back and happy that they understand me,” he said.