Sechaba in botched Botswana visit
Thato Kala | Wednesday December 4, 2013 17:09
Fans had to be turned away at the locked gates to the grounds with the owners of the facility insisting they would not open them due to non-payment.
Sechaba and his band members, according to sources, had to get their accommodation from well wishers.
In fact, gospel promoter Nico Matlapeng confirmed having assisted the award-winning star and his team. Matlapeng said this at the Tlokweng Border after seeing Padi off on Saturday night.
“He did not perform because the show could not go ahead. It was a bit of a challenge. We had to assist with accommodation,” he said.
The drama started on Thursday night when local artist Kabelo Eric announced through his Facebook page that he was pulling out of the show.
An international award-winning artist, Eric did not shed light as to why he was pulling out at the 11th hour.
He wrote: “To all my fans, followers and supporters, it is with great regret to inform you that Kabelo Eric has withdrawn from Sechaba’s show that is on this evening due to reasons between the artist and the promoter that are beyond the artist’s control. Please accept my apologies.”
Speaking to Showbiz on Monday, he confirmed there was a misunderstanding between him and the promoter. He, however, would not drawn to explain what the misunderstanding was.
A source added: “The misunderstanding stemmed from financial issues.”
Earlier, Padi had failed to show up for last Tuesday’s press conference. The organisers of the charity show that never was were confident he would arrive late Wednesday.
The promoter, Namasiku Samunzala’s phone was unreachable throughout the weekend.
Prior to Sechaba’s coming, Samunzala said the idea behind the concert was to promote HIV testing and raise funds for charity organisations.
Sechaba was to be the main act, performing after the likes of Eric and Suggie Fisher.
He shot to stardom following the release of his maiden album which was self-titled Sechaba in 2005. The album sold more than 500,000 copies, firmly thrusting him to the echelons of the SA gospel scene.