Selaelo Selota Clears Air on Ringo Madlingozi Booking Dispute Amid Tour Celebrations
In a twist that’s got music fans talking, acclaimed guitarist and composer Selaelo Selota has come forward to set the record straight on a heated booking row with singer Ringo Madlingozi. The dispute centres on a R90,000 deposit paid for Madlingozi’s performance at one of Selota’s events, which fell apart after a change in management. Selota, who’s marking 25 years in the industry with a nationwide tour, says he followed all the right steps but got caught in the middle when Madlingozi switched teams. This comes as Selota’s anniversary shows, kicking off in August 2025, have already seen ups and downs, including a postponement of his Emerald Casino gig to November 22 due to unforeseen issues. With both artists beloved in South African music circles, the fallout highlights the tricky side of showbiz deals and has sparked calls for better communication in the industry.
Selota’s statement, released through Gabiso Media on 25 September 2025, lays out the timeline in detail, aiming to quash rumours and focus on his milestone celebrations. As fans gear up for his rescheduled performances, this spat serves as a reminder of how behind-the-scenes glitches can overshadow the joy of live music. This article breaks down the dispute’s key facts, the artists’ backgrounds, the tour’s highlights, reactions from fans, and what it means for event planning in Mzansi.
The Dispute Unpacked: Deposits, Management Switches, and Unresolved Refunds
The trouble started when Selota booked Madlingozi for a spot in his One Country concert series, part of his 25-year anniversary tour. On 30 August 2025, Selota paid a 50% deposit of R90,000—half of Madlingozi’s R180,000 fee—to Thikho Events, Madlingozi’s management at the time. This followed standard procedures, with a formal agreement in place.
Things went south on 28 May 2025, when Selota got word from Ristar Records that Madlingozi had jumped ship. The new team said all old bookings were off and any paid cash should come back from Thikho. Selota reached out to Madlingozi directly for clarity, and the singer confirmed the switch, advising to chase the refund from his old crew. Madlingozi stressed he wouldn’t perform without a fresh deposit to Ristar, putting Selota in a bind.
Selota tried getting his money back from Thikho, even looping in Sikelewa from the old team, who promised to sort it. But no refund came, and talks stalled. Selota then turned to Madlingozi again, but got assurances that the deposit was with Thikho and he’d only show if paid anew. With no resolution, Selota went public to explain his side, sharing emails and WhatsApp chats as proof. “Mr Selota proceeded to market the concert with Mr Madlingozi listed as one of the performers,” the statement notes, showing how the mix-up hit his plans hard.
This isn’t just about cash—it’s tied to Selota’s big tour, including shows like the One Country Concert at Meropa Casino on 30 August 2025, where Madlingozi was billed alongside him. Fans who bought tickets expecting the lineup felt let down, adding pressure to clear the air.
Who Are the Artists: Selota’s Milestone and Madlingozi’s Legacy
Selaelo Selota, a jazz guitar maestro, is celebrating 25 years of hits with a tour that started in August 2025. Known for tunes like “Thrrr… Phaaa!” and blending African rhythms with global sounds, he’s played worldwide and worked with stars like Miriam Makeba. His shows mix music with stories, drawing crowds to spots like Meropa and the postponed Emerald Casino gig now set for 22 November 2025.
Ringo Madlingozi, a soulful voice behind classics like “Kum Nakum,” has been a staple in Mzansi music for decades. His switch from Thikho to Ristar in early 2025 aimed for fresh starts, but this dispute shows the bumps in such moves. Both artists have kept mum beyond statements, focusing on their work amid the drama.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Calls for Fair Play
Social media lit up with the news, many siding with Selota for sharing receipts. One X post from entertainment commentator Kgopolo shared the full statement, racking up thousands of views and comments like “This is why contracts matter—hope they sort it without courts.” Others backed Madlingozi, saying artists deserve pay under new terms, but most called for a quick refund to avoid bad blood.
Fans worried about tour vibes, with some saying, “Don’t let this spoil the celebration—Selota’s music deserves better.” The spat has sparked wider chats on industry ethics, with calls for better protections for organisers and performers.
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