Latwell Nyangu
A LOCAL drummer, Ngonidzashe ‘Slickbeatz’ Chikuse, has been taken to court over maintenance for a child he had with his former girlfriend, Blessing Masawi.
Blessing is demanding US$706 for the upkeep of their minor child.
The two had a relationship that ended last year after some differences.
At the time of the split, Blessing was pregnant, and there is now a dispute over the child’s paternity.
Ngonidzashe has disputed Blessing’s claims and requested a DNA test, and offered to pay US$40 maintenance in the meantime.
The court has ordered DNA tests and an interim order for maintenance.
In her affidavit, Blessing said she had a relationship with Ngonidzashe from 2018, until the birth of the child on April 12, last year.
“The relationship was blessed with one daughter and in 2022 the relationship ended due to irreconcilable differences.
“This is an application for maintenance of the minor child from Ngonidzashe, who is a seasoned drummer and businessman.
“As a drummer, he usually plays for renowned artists such as Janet Manyowa, Minister Michael Mahendere and Pastor G.
“When I left him, he was earning about US$20 000 a month and can afford to contribute to the welfare and upkeep of our minor child.
“To the best of my knowledge, he has no other minor children besides our daughter.”
She said the child is enrolled at a crèche and her fees are US$250 per term.
“The total monthly upkeep of the child is US$706 a month.”
Ngonidzashe rejected the demands and requested a DNA test.
“I am a drummer by profession, a freelancer and not fully employed.
“I have played drums for various artists on different occasions.
“I do not have a fixed income, but what I can submit to the court is that, at least, monthly I make a minimum of US$150 from the work I do.
“I am currently married and my wife is pregnant and we are expecting our first child very soon,” he said.
He said no receipts or invoices were attached to prove that the child is even in crèche.
“Further, the child is only a year old and it would not be prudent to enrol her at a school so expensive to even exceed the money I make monthly.
“I cannot afford to pay the amount suggested by the applicant as it far exceeds the amount I earn monthly. I believe that in the interim I should be allowed to pay US$40.”