Businessman sues pastor Jimmy kay over Fally Ipupa concert proceeds

Together with Kitwe businessman Isaac Ilunga, also known as Mr Powder, Kumwenda is being sued by Enock Mashilipa, who is seeking a refund of US$20,000, reimbursement of additional funds he allegedly invested in the concerts, K10 million as his share of the profits, as well as interest and costs. According to a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Mashilipa alleges that Kumwenda travelled to Chambeshi in February 2025 with another man identified as Mr Soko to seek financial backing for two concerts featuring Congolese rhumba star Fally Ipupa. He alleged Kumwenda assured him that Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) would sponsor the concerts once proof of payment of the deposit and confirmation that the performance dates had been secured were submitted to the mining company.

Following the payment, Mashilipa said Kumwenda created a WhatsApp group called “T.Q.M.E Financers”, to which he was added alongside other individuals involved in organising the concerts branded “The African Music Experience”. He said he actively participated in planning discussions through the group and believed the arrangements were being conducted transparently, making a formal written agreement appear unnecessary. However, Mashilipa alleged that, without informing him, Kumwenda later entered into another agreement with Ilunga under which they agreed to share the profits equally.

He further claimed that Patrick Kabaso, whom he identifies as Ilunga’s agent, was subsequently added to the WhatsApp group and placed in charge of ticket sales for both concerts. Mashilipa said he also spent more than K30,000 on logistics, most of which he allegedly transferred to Kumwenda through mobile money. He further claimed that despite being one of the financiers, he was required to buy tickets for himself, his wife, family and friends to attend the concert at Ciela Resort.