Blessed Katiyo in Johannesburg
POPULAR musician Obey Makamure, who goes by his stage name Tocky Vibes, is a wanted man in South Africa and faces arrest the day he sets foot on Jozi soil.
This follows a fraud case opened against the artist by music promoter Royce Mapaike.
The two had entered into an agreement that the promoter would bankroll Tocky’s video shoots and in return the musician would then perform two shows.
“We had agreed as planned and I paid for his flights, accommodation and video shoots. In return he was supposed to offer us two shows as part of the deal. Him and his management then started ducking and diving after I spent almost R30 000. I had no option but to take the matter to the police at Brixton Police Station after they started ignoring my calls and blocking me,” said Mapaike.
Tocky Vibes and Royce Mapaike
Tocky had two shows this past weekend in Johannesburg. The first one was at Club Rampage in Kempton Park on Friday night where cops and Mapaike came to make an arrest.
According to very close sources, the organisers then had a “gentlemen’s agreement” and they allowed Tocky to play for at least an hour and they would then take him in.
When it was time to go, the musician evaded the men of the law, who were baffled as to how the artist left the venue.
“Mapurisa acho anga akapusa, Tocky was hidden in a cold room and when they looked for him they could not find him until they left,” said a source.
Mapaike was, however, relentless and on Saturday morning again with cops followed Tocky to a guest house he was staying.
Police report and Proof of payment made to Tocky Vibes
He was scheduled to play at the popular Alicats Pub in Randburg on Saturday night.
The owner of the club had to call a lawyer who negotiated that they settle the matter on Sunday morning around lunchtime. As the cops waited on Sunday morning, Tocky was already on a flight to Harare and arrived on Sunday afternoon.
“It is very unfortunate that Tocky decided to run away but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with him.
I have all the evidence of the monies I paid him and even the footage and photos of our video shoot,” said an irate Mapaike.
“His passport has now been flagged and if he decides to come to South Africa he will get arrested at any port of entry whether airport or via Beitbridge,” added Mapaike.
However, a source close to Tocky’s management dismissed Mapaike’s assertion and accused him of grandstanding.
“That guy Royce is very dishonest. He took other promoters’ money trying to cash in on Tocky. He paid just $500 and wanted to use gatetakings as part of the deal. It doesn’t work that way. Tocky is very professional and would never breach an arrangement.
“The video shoots that he is talking about he didn’t have the money and did not even pay the models that featured on those videos. Tocky himself had to pay part of the videographer’s fees,” added the source.
Mapaike is not new to controversy and a few years ago left popular comedienne Mai Titi stranded in Cosmo City without food or proper accommodation. Despite the drama Tocky gave a stellar performance at both shows which were packed to the brim.