The Eastern Cape’s entertainment industry is currently abuzz with frustration and disappointment as prominent promoters speak out about the increasing disregard and unprofessionalism displayed by some of South Africa’s top DJs. Reported by ZiMoja, following Themba “Maphorisa” Sekowe’s recent no-show at SoWhat Lounge and Vegas, Luzuko Khohli, founder of C Tone Productions, has shared his own troubling experience with DJ Oscar Mbo.
According to Khohli, he recently booked Oscar Mbo for an event, ensuring all travel and accommodation arrangements were in place. However, complications arose when Oscar Mbo requested an earlier flight to accommodate another gig in Johannesburg. “I had already booked flights for R3,200 per person, but when he asked for a change, there were no available flights from East London,” Khohli explained. “He then asked me to book a flight from Gqeberha, which I did.”
The situation escalated when Oscar Mbo demanded an additional R15,000, citing the ground travel from Gqeberha as an unexpected cost. “I tried negotiating, but he threatened to not show up if I didn’t pay. On top of that, he wanted an additional R40,000 to promote the event on his social media,” Khohli said, exasperated.
Khohli eventually conceded, paying the extra R15,000 and arranging transportation from Gqeberha, all in an effort to uphold his brand’s reputation. “Despite these efforts, the artist didn’t even share the event poster on his feed. I considered retaliating by withholding transportation until he compensated me, but I chose to maintain professionalism,” Khohli recounted.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Khohli expressed his disillusionment with the current state of the industry. “We, as promoters, are constantly taken advantage of. I sympathize with Vegas and hope the public understands it’s not our fault when these issues arise,” he added.
In response to the allegations, Oscar Mbo claimed he did not recall the booking and dismissed the promoter’s account. “People always have something to say. I always try to stick to agreements,” he stated.
