By Thabo Mosia and Phenyo Selinda
Mdlayedwa “Duma” Mthombeni, the husband of Ngwathe Mayor and ANC Fezile Dabi regional chairperson Victoria de Beer Mthombeni, is facing legal action over the unauthorized use of popular artist Ntate Stunna’s image in promotional material for the upcoming Uhuru AIDS Benefit Concert. The concert, scheduled for 7 December 2024 at Kroonpark Resort in Kroonstad, is advertised as a charity event to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS-related causes. However, the event has now sparked controversy over image rights and artist permissions, with LasBerry Trading, Ntate Stunna’s management company, accusing Duma of using the artist’s image without permission.
LasBerry Trading publicly condemned the unauthorized use of Ntate Stunna’s image on social media, asserting, “Promoter of this event used Ntate Stunna image without our permission; we are dealing with this matter legally.” The statement clarified that no agreement had been made for Ntate Stunna’s involvement in the event, and the management company expressed its intent to address the situation through legal channels.
Background of the Dispute
The Uhuru AIDS Benefit Concert, promoted by Duma Mthombeni, is not the first instance in which he allegedly used Ntate Stunna’s image without permission. LasBerry Trading cited a prior event, the “Come Duze Social Blitz,” hosted by the ANC Fezile Dabi region at Kwa Nduna Shisanyama on 24 May 2024. LasBerry claimed that Duma’s actions had “disrespected Ntate Stunna for the second time in one region” and that he “clearly doesn’t see damage he is doing to the art of Ntate Stunna.” These recurring incidents have prompted LasBerry to pursue legal action.
Concert Details and Promotional Material
The Uhuru AIDS Benefit Concert has been widely promoted with the theme “Knowing makes a difference.” Tickets are being sold at various retailers, with prices starting at R200 for general admission, and higher fees for VIP access. Promotional flyers circulating online feature Ntate Stunna prominently, along with a lineup of other popular South African artists. However, with this legal conflict emerging, questions have arisen about whether the promotional materials may need to be revised and if Ntate Stunna’s participation will be affected.
Duma Media’s Official Response
In light of the controversy, Sandile Shange, Head of Communications for Duma Media, issued a public statement distancing the company from unauthorized promotional materials. “Duma Media has become aware of an unauthorised poster circulating online that falsely promotes some artists as part of the lineup,” Shange stated. He clarified that the unofficial flyer did not come from Duma Media’s official channels and urged the public to disregard any unverified information. Shange continued, “The official lineup for the AIDS Benefit Concert has been announced on our official social media pages. Please follow our channels for the latest updates and accurate information.”
LasBerry’s Response to Duma Media’s Statement
Following Duma Media’s response, LasBerry Trading remained unsatisfied and responded with a social media post saying, “I don’t like this petty fight but Uhuru Aids Benefit Concert take us for granted and lie to public.” To support their claims, LasBerry shared a screenshot of a conversation with Duma Media in which Duma requested invoice details for Ntate Stunna’s participation. The conversation indicated that an invoice had indeed been sent on 29 October, contradicting Duma Media’s claims of no formal agreement.
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