The management team of musician Mr Drew has come out to defend their artist against accusations made by JamRok Bar and Event Centre. According to JamRok, Mr Drew failed to perform at their event despite being paid 50% of his performance fee. However, Mr Drew’s team shared their side of the story in a press release, stating that the event organisers did not meet certain agreed terms and also delayed the event unnecessarily.
The agreement between Mr Drew and the event organisers included receiving 50% of the performance fee in advance with the remainder to be paid on the day of the event. The event was scheduled to start at 8 pm with Mr Drew set to perform at 11:30 pm. However, the event did not start as planned, and Mr Drew and his team had to wait at a guesthouse to be called to perform.
Despite delays, Mr Drew expressed willingness to join an event convoy to attract patrons, but he requested the outstanding 50% of his fee before proceeding. The organisers refused to make the payment and instead asked Mr Drew to move to the event first. Even after making compromises, the event had not started by 1 am, and with no communication on payment, Mr Drew and his team left the venue at 1:50 am.
In response, JamRok accused Mr Drew of reneging on their contract, claiming that he arrived at the event late and left without performing despite being paid. They alleged that Mr Drew and his team were found asleep in their hotel room when they were supposed to be performing.
The dispute escalated further with JamRok making defamatory claims against Mr Drew, leading to demands for an apology from the event company. Mr Drew’s legal team sent a letter requesting a retraction of the defamatory statements, but the organisers refused and issued threats and insults to Mr Drew’s team.
Following the legal wrangling, JamRok Bar and Event Centre filed a suit seeking the recovery of GH¢15,000 paid to Mr Drew for the event, Special damages amounting to GH¢36,511, and general damages of GH¢200,000 for the cancellation of the event and the harm caused to their brand.
The situation remains unresolved, with Mr Drew’s team prepared to take further action if the organisers do not retract their statements. The dispute highlights the challenges faced by artists and event organisers in the entertainment industry and the importance of clear communication and adherence to agreements.
