Lawi, Awilo in blame game
A blame game has ensued between Lawi Group and Congolese soukus star Awilo Longomba’s management team over Awilo’s aborted visit to Malawi.
Music fans were stunned on Friday evening when it was revealed that Awilo would not be part of a joint concert with the Malawian Afro-jazz superstar Lawi which was slated for Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe on Saturday evening.
Lawi claimed the development was a result of lack of cooperation from the Congolese star who had reportedly cut communication with him despite having pocketed K15 million for his air tickets and appearance fee.
But in a twist of events, a member of Awilo’s management team, who identified himself as Mr P, told The Nation that the proposed contract between the two parties was declared null and void two weeks before the event after the organisers failed to meet some of their obligations.
He said: “The contract said two weeks before the event we were supposed to have the flight tickets, payment and a full itinerary, but all this did not happen.”
“Lawi was talking to us the management team and not Awilo.”
On Saturday morning, Lawi Group released a statement which said their team made all the required payments, travel arrangements and booked for his five-star accommodation, among others. They said Awilo was expected to arrive in the country on Thursday.
However, the event went on smoothly with the help of popular musician Patience Namadingo.
