Court blocks Mayinja, Lutaaya Easter concerts

By Josephat Sseguya

This Easter season looks gloomy for members of now a defunct Eagles' Production band following a court order blocking them from performing at any concert, starting with the festive season gigs.

The development follows a suit music promoter Balaam Barugahare filed in court demanding sh320m in damages.

The astute businessman had penned a deal at the beginning of the year binding all members of Eagles' Production to perform at various concerts during this week's Easter period, and Geoffrey Lutaaya's 'Nkolerera baana bange' album launch in May.

Lutaaya penned the deal on behalf of Eagles' Production before the split. Lutaaya and his wife Irene Namatovu rebranded to Da Nu Eagles while Messarch Ssemakula, Ronald Mayinja and others rebranded to Golden Band.

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A court order that was issued against former Eagles' Production band members

In a stern warning Balaam says if the impasse is not resolved soon the claim will spiral to over sh600m at which point he will be forced to take over their properties including Lutaaya's hotel in Najjanankumbi and Mayinja's in Bunamwaya.

The assistant court clerk Nakawa, Gladys Nakibule, issued the order on Monday barring the band members from performing and/or announcing their various upcoming concerts. She however gave them Wednesday to appear in court over the matter.

Despite Mayinja and company saying Lutaaya alone should be held responsible for penning the deal, Balaam insists according to their constitution Eagles' Production directors have always committed on behalf of the band to perform at events.

Golden Band Managing Director Musa Kavuma however says Balaam is working with Lutaaya to sabotage them. He says they intend to dupe their fans that Golden Band will not be performing over the Easter season.

He wonders why Balaam did not approach them over the issue and instead used the media to address his concerns.

"Those of us who are a concerned party know nothing of this. Many people with court issues handle them through the right channels unlike Balaam who opted to run to the media," Kavuma said.