A South African music production company is facing legal action in Kenya after allegedly failing to refund a deposit paid for a performance that never took place at the Waterfront, Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi.
Six AM Holdings Limited has filed a suit seeking orders compelling musicians trading as Major League Spaces PTY Limited to refund a deposit of ZAR 25,000. The firm also wants the court to direct immigration authorities to detain the artists upon entry into Kenya until the disputed amount is paid.
Through lawyer Elkana Mogaka, Six AM Holdings is asking the High Court to restrain Major League Spaces PTY Limited—along with its directors, agents, artists, employees, and affiliates—from entering or performing in Kenya without court approval pending the resolution of the dispute.
The company also wants the Directorate of Immigration Services to confiscate the group’s passports should they enter Kenya before settling the matter.
Additionally, Six AM Holdings seeks permission to serve the South African entity with court documents outside Kenya, citing its lack of local offices or attachable assets.
Dispute Over Cancelled 2021 Event
According to court documents, Six AM Holdings contracted Major League Spaces PTY Limited to provide artists known as Major League DJz as headline performers for the Piano Fest event on 31 July 2021 at the Ngong Racecourse.
The Kenyan promoter paid a deposit of ZAR 25,000 on 15 June 2021 via SWIFT transfer, after which the South African company allegedly confirmed the booking. Promotional materials featuring Major League DJz were produced and circulated starting 23 June 2021.
However, about a week before the event, the artists’ management informed Six AM Holdings that they would not travel to Kenya, citing UK travel restrictions and Kenya’s “red list” status at the time.
Six AM Holdings Managing Director Yassir Omar told the court that the cancellation came after full preparations had been finalized. The abrupt withdrawal sparked complaints from fans, with some demanding refunds.
Artists Returned to Kenya Despite Claiming They Could Not Travel
Omar stated that Major League Spaces PTY Limited initially agreed to refund the deposit but never released the funds. He added that in December 2021, the company learned the artists were in Kenya performing—despite previously claiming that travel restrictions made their appearance impossible.
Efforts to confront them at a Nairobi hotel allegedly led to a promise of repayment in the form of USD 1,500 via PayPal, but the transaction was reversed after the artists left the country.
The matter was reported to police.
Repeated Performances Despite Outstanding Debt
Omar further said that on 26 November 2022, the artists performed again in Nairobi at a skating event. His attempt to meet their manager, identified only as Thabo, was unsuccessful. When he sought police assistance, officers reportedly told him that only a court order would allow them to intervene.
Six AM Holdings argues that without court-issued restrictions and permission to serve the artists in South Africa, it risks losing its deposit permanently.