Police arrest South African agent on Dru Hill’s Malawi failed trip

Malawi police have arrested an agent Umodzi Park hired to bring American music group, Dru Hill, for allegedly obtaining money on false pretence.

Umodzi Park hired Archbald Tugere, a South African citizen, to facilitate Dru Hill’s performance in Malawi but the show was cancelled at eleventh hour when music fanatics were expecting to welcome the grouping in the country on Friday.

Tugere owns Tugere TV Media and Events, and pocketed 35,000 rands (about K2 million) from Umodzi Park to facilitate Dru Hill’s Malawi’s performance.

National police Media and Public Relations Officer, Nicholas Gondwa confirmed to Nyasa Times on Sunday that they are currently keeping in custody Tugere for allegedly obtaining money under false pretence.

”He is at Lingazi police. The charges were laid by Miss Temwa Kanjadza of Umodzi Park,” said Gondwa.

Gondwa said Tugere is accused of failing to meet contractual terms stipulated in an agreement made between Umodzi Park and his company.

Local music fanatics who were anticipating seeing multi-platinum selling American music group, Dru Hill on stage this weekend have no kind words for the organizers following the group’s decision to
cancell its trip to Malawi due to misunderstandings with the promoter.

Dru Hill, together with lead singer Sisqó, was expected to perform at the 8,000 capacity Umodzi Park in capital Lilongwe tomorrow December 12, courtesy of Peermont Hotels the managers of the venue.

The grouping also cancelled trip to South Africa where they were scheduled to perform at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on December 18.

“Disappointingly, Tigere Media, a South African based promoter has cancelled the Dru Hill concert scheduled to take place at Umodzi Park on December 12,” reads in part the statement issued out by Umodzi Park Sales and Marketing Manager, Temwa Kanjadza .

Kanjadza said a dispute between the artist and Tigere Media resulted in the unfortunate cancellation of the concert.

Many music lovers especially in Lilongwe had already bought tickets to the events, and the development surely infuriate corporate sponsors such as Airtel Malawi who were part of those supporting the event.

Kanjadza said they have started  processing the refunds to those who bought advance tickets.

“Those who have already purchased tickets through various selling points in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu will receive a full refund,” she added.

Dru Hill was expected to be joined on stage by local musician Skeffa Chimoto and Veejay Ice.

The group is composed of four members namely Sisqó, Jazz, Nokio and Tao. The group was most popular during the late 1990s, with a repertoire that included R&B, soul, hip hop soul and gospel music.

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