Kadoma – Zimdancehall artist Pride Fashu, known to his fans as Madedido, has been apprehended and transferred to Kadoma to face fraud charges. This arrest stems from allegations that the 23-year-old musician failed to honour a performance agreement despite receiving full payment in advance.
Pride Makazhu Chihoro, the complainant in the case, reported the incident at Rimuka Police Station (CR: 60/11/25). Driven by the recent arrest of fellow musician Maskiri, Chihoro sought assistance in Chitungwiza to ensure Madedido’s apprehension, as the artist resides in Unit M. An initial attempt to arrest Madedido on Tuesday proved unsuccessful, as he was reportedly not at home. However, authorities successfully executed “Mission Madedido Mukati” yesterday as he was preparing to leave his residence for his daily activities.
The charges arise from an incident in October when Chihoro organised a family show at Rimuka Swimming Pool and identified Madedido as the ideal headlining act. Following discussions with the musician and his management, an agreement was reached, with Madedido requesting $450 as his performance fee.
Chihoro made two payments, $200 on October 14 and $250 on November 14, into an Ecocash account provided by Madedido, belonging to one Tanyaradzwa Christi Marimo.
In addition to the performance fee, Chihoro claims to have incurred further expenses for promotional materials, fuel, roadshows, security arrangements, and the rental of a sound system. The promoter had even allocated funds for the musician’s accommodation and meals.
According to Chihoro, Madedido sent a WhatsApp message stating: “I think its best we just get the money and we buy zvatinoda because its not professional telling you in detail. I’m sure you understand vapfanha venyu. Then we ok, please count on us, thank you in advance.”
Madedido even persuaded the promoter to include another young artist, Fella Yut, in the lineup, speaking highly of his talent.
Despite repeated requests for a promotional video to promote the event, Madedido allegedly became evasive, leading up to the day of the show.
Chihoro lamented the financial losses incurred and the damage to his reputation, which he believes will take considerable time to repair.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that as Madedido was being transported from Chitungwiza to Kadoma, news of his arrest reached other promoters from Kwekwe and Gweru who claim to have been defrauded by the artist. These promoters are reportedly preparing to travel to Kadoma to file their own charges against Madedido.
This is not the first time Madedido has found himself in the news for controversial reasons. However, unlike previous incidents involving goats, this case centres on allegations of fraud. The unfolding situation presents a significant challenge for the Zimdancehall artist, as he faces a potential legal battle and the prospect of additional charges from other aggrieved promoters.
The details surrounding the initial agreement between Chihoro and Madedido highlight the challenges faced by event promoters in Zimbabwe. The reliance on mobile money transfers, such as Ecocash, while convenient, can also create opportunities for fraudulent activities. The case also underscores the importance of clear and legally binding contracts in the entertainment industry to protect both artists and promoters.
The fact that other promoters are coming forward with similar allegations suggests that this may be a pattern of behaviour for Madedido. If proven, this could have serious consequences for his career and reputation. The Zimdancehall community will be watching closely as the case unfolds in Kadoma.
The police investigation will likely focus on gathering evidence to support the fraud charges, including bank statements, WhatsApp messages, and witness testimonies. The prosecution will need to demonstrate that Madedido intentionally deceived Chihoro and failed to fulfil his contractual obligations.
Madedido’s legal team will likely argue that there was a misunderstanding or that unforeseen circumstances prevented him from performing at the event. They may also challenge the credibility of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The outcome of the case could have broader implications for the Zimdancehall industry. It could serve as a deterrent to other artists who may be tempted to engage in similar fraudulent activities. It could also lead to greater scrutiny of contracts and payment practices in the industry.
For Chihoro, the case represents an opportunity to seek justice and recover the financial losses he incurred. It also highlights the risks associated with promoting events and the importance of due diligence when working with artists.
As Madedido awaits his day in court, the Zimdancehall community is left to ponder the impact of this case on the artist’s career and the broader reputation of the genre. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the outcome of this legal battle and its long-term consequences.
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