Babes Wodumo and Naledi Aphiwe Reportedly Face Legal Action After Durban Gig No-Show

• Babes Wodumo and Naledi Aphiwe are reportedly embroiled in a legal battle with a Durban event organiser after failing to show up for two events they were scheduled to perform at
• They were booked to perform at an event in KwaZulu-Natal, but failed to show up on two separate occasions, even after promising fans they would attend the second event before going silent
• The venue owner confirmed that the matter is now with his lawyers after the artists stopped answering calls and emails
• Briefly News got in touch with one of the singer's management to learn more about the allegations

Babes Wodumo and rising star Naledi Aphiwe are in hot water after a Durban venue owner took legal steps against them for allegedly pocketing booking fees and vanishing without performing.

The Action Bar in Shakaskraal, KwaDukuza, in KwaZulu-Natal, was the setting for what should have been two headline performances. Instead, the venue was left with disappointed patrons and an owner out of pocket. Bongekile Simelane, popularly known as Babes Wodumo, was recently embroiled in an assault scandal. She was reportedly booked for R16,000, while Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane commanded a R30,000 fee for her appearance.

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Two chances, two no-shows

The trouble began on 2 May 2026, when both artists were originally scheduled to perform but did not turn up. Rather than pursue legal action immediately, the venue owner gave the pair a second chance, reaching an agreement with them to perform at a rescheduled event on 27 June.

What made the second absence particularly glaring was that both artists had posted videos on their social media pages in the lead-up to the event, telling fans they would be there. They then went completely silent. A source close to the situation alleged that the ladies were neither returning calls nor emails, leaving the venue owner with a massive financial loss.

"They are facing arrest now because they refuse to return the money. Both of them are not answering their phones or replying to emails sent regarding this matter. They have received the legal papers, but they have not responded. The owner is complaining about losing a lot of money."

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The legal documents served to the artists demand repayment of their booking fees alongside compensation for expenses the venue incurred while organising both events.

The venue's management had already issued a public apology to fans on Facebook earlier in July, acknowledging the artists' absence and offering free entry to a separate event headlined by Dankie Boi, Tipcee, and DJ Banana as goodwill.

Event coordinator and venue owner Johnson Govender confirmed he is now working through his lawyers but said his primary goal remains straightforward.

"They have not responded to the papers sent to them. Naledi Aphiwe has returned R25,000, but I want the remaining balance. I also want compensation for everything I went through planning this event twice, only for them not to show up."

Briefly News spoke to Naledi Aphiwe's management to learn more about the scandal. They explained that the event organiser had been scammed by a promoter, who ran away with the money that was meant for the Ngiyabonga singer.

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"The money in question was paid to [the promoter]. We only received R8,000 as a deposit in order for them to get the promotional material. We have refunded the deposit."

When asked about Naledi Aphiwe allegedly promising fans that she would be at the event but later failing to pitch, the manager emphasised she was not paid to perform at the event.

"She did not miss the event. The promoter took money from the event organiser and did not pay the artist."

Chidimma Adetshina fights to stay in South Africa

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Chidimma Adetshina's fight to remain in South Africa.

After facing deportation, the controversial beauty queen is reportedly making efforts to stay in Mzansi.

Source: Briefly News