HARARE – Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo is suing the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe for US$33,000 which he says was not paid for a commercial advert he did in 2019.
In summons filed at the High Court this week, the singer says Cottco only paid US$2,000 of a US$35,000 invoice.
The 75-year-old’s lawyers say sometime in February 2019, Cottco through its employee named Mugura Gumeni made contact with Mapfumo’s representative in Zimbabwe, Simbarashe Chiromo, asking for the musician to shoot a commercial advert in Muzarabani.
The United States-based Mapfumo’s say in court papers that he entered into an agreement around the same period and Cottco agreed to pay a nominal fee of US$2,000 to enable Mapfumo to travel to Muzarabani.
“The exact amount for the services was to be determined by the scope of the project and established during the actual field visit,” according to Mapfumo.
He said the final amount was supposed to be agreed with Cottco’s public relations department.
On February 27, 2019, Mapfumo shot the video in Muzarabani and returned to Harare the same day. His lawyers say he was then advised that all relevant and necessary formalities were to be completed in Harare to enable him get his dues by one Mrs Mutomba.
“Upon arrival (in Harare), Mapfumo developed some serious health complications and after a series of blood tests and scans it showed that he suffered massive dehydration due to high temperatures experienced in Muzarabani,” reads part of the summons.
Cottco allegedly failed to formalise all relevant and necessary documents to enable Mapfumo to be paid for his services.
The total cost of the services provided by Mapfumo, according to the summons, amounted to US$35,000. Cottco, having paid only US$2,000, is allegedly failing to pay off the balance of US$33,000.
Mapfumo is seeking an order for the payment of the balance of US$33,000 plus interest.
The matter is yet to be heard.
