Mico, Diamond take feud to courts

The misunderstanding between local artiste Mico Prosper and Tanzanian star, Diamond, is taking an ugly turn as the two opt to settle their differences in courts of law. The “Umutaka” singer says he is left with no option but to turn to Tanzanian courts of law after the singer deliberately refused to refund his money and pay damages for failing to turn up for his album launch on February 15. Diamond was expected to be the main act as the upcoming star launched his first album at PSF Expo Grounds in Gikondo, but he never showed up. Chaos broke out after the show goers realised that Diamond would not appear. His fans vandalised some of the equipment and plastic chairs. A disappointed Mico has promised to take on the “Bongo” star to refund his money and pay the damages. However, Diamond, real name Naseeb Abdul, was also to speak on different radio stations stating that Mico did not fulfil the agreement they had, after he failed to send the air tickets and half of the money they agreed. The defiant “Mawazo” singer claimed that it was Mico’s fault and that he should not be blamed. Mico also claims that he had sent Diamond about US$6,000 as upfront payment and his air tickets but the air tickets for his band members which he demanded were sent a day before, to which the Tanzanian said it was a little too late but promised to show up. Even on the day of the concert, it had been expected that Diamond would perform, but it was all in vain. In an interview with The New Times, Mico said that he intends to go to Tanzania to lodge a case after Diamond defied a call from the Rwandan Embassy in Dar es Salaam, asking him to settle his outstanding problems with Mico. “I am left with no option but to sue him in courts of law. I understand that is what he wants according to the embassy officials. If that is how he wants the issue to be resolved, then I will do exactly that,” the furious Mico said. “He was asked to pay me back my money by the Rwandan Embassy in Tanzania and he refused saying that I should take him to court. I am going to,” he vowed. Mico claims that he wanted a refund of US$6,000 (Rwf3,846,000) from Diamond but if the case goes to court, he will pay not less than US$8,000 (Rwf 5,128,000) as well as other expenses and damages. “Right now, I am looking at Primus Guma Guma Superstar III activities which I am part of, but if I get a week in between, I am travelling to Dar es Salaam to sue,” he added. Diamond has remained defiant claiming that it is Mico who is in wrong, adding that it will be the courts to decide. Efforts to contact the Rwandan Embassy in Tanzania were futile.

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Mico, Diamond take feud to courts