AFRO-JAZZ singer, Judith Sephuma and actor Andile Mxakaza pulled out of a fashion show at the 11th hour.
The two were meant to have walked the ramp to showcase Urban Zulu’s new fashion outfit, butdecided to quit.
Sources said Judith and Andile were part of a group of celebs including Kuli Roberts and Luthando Shosha, that was billed to be the event’s main feature.
“The artists understood they were to be part of this fashion spectacle and since Urban Zulu couldn’t afford to pay them on the day, it was decided agratuity fee of R3 000 would be suitable,” said the source.
The fashion line showcased their Autumn/Winter SA Fashion Week, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosebank last week.
The source said when the money wasn’t paid by Thursday, Judith and Andile pulled out.
“The issue is not about the money. It’s the lies and being told money have been paid while it wasn’t. People shouldunderstand that running a business one needs to be consistent and tell the truth,” the source said.
Creative Director Papy Kaluw said the publicist agreed Judith, Refilwe and Andile will do the shoot free of charge.
“All the celebrities were not paid but were compensated for petrol and food. They all volunteered and none had a problem with doing it for free,” he said.
He said Kgomotso Modise insisted on getting compensation money immediately before walking on the ramp.
Papy told Sunday Sun: “Accounts made payments on the day of the show, but the money went into a wrong account. Proof of payment was sent to Kgomotso and we pleaded with them not pull out. We’ll reverse the money once the show is finished.”
“The account was made to Thanduxolo Jingela’s account by mistake. A form was sent to them to sign so that incase they feel like someone will scam them, and not give them the money they can have something to fall back on. None of the celebrities were paid before they walked the ramp. That still made him uncomfortable and dramatic”
Andile said: “I’ve no comment. Speak to my publicist, Kgomotso. He was the one who handled this deal.”
Judith’s phone rang unanswered. Her publicist, who is also Kgomotso from Brands Three Sixty, said: “Urban Zulu called me asking for talent for the show.
“We agreed on Judith, Andile and Refilwe and agreed to a gratuity of R3 000 each before the show. But by last Thursday, the money didn’t reflect in our account, so we pulled all three of them out.” This is business, these things happen.
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