Bar, Hotel, and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) has warned artists and musicians who breach performance contracts.
In a Press Release statement undersigned by BAHLITA Secretary General Boniface Gachoka, the Association is worried over the current trend.
BAHLITA noted that this is an issue that has increasingly affected its members across the country.
According to BAHLITA, musicians, artists, entertainers, and their management teams have been accepting payment or contractual engagement to perform at events, shows, and entertainment functions, but subsequently fail to attend, refuse to perform, or otherwise dishonour their contractual obligations without valid justification.
Such actions, BAHLITA argues that it causes significant financial losses, reputational damage, operational disruptions, and inconvenience to event organizers, business owners, and patrons.
“This conduct is unacceptable and undermines the professional relationship between artists and entertainment establishments. As the Secretary General of BAHLITA, I wish to formally notify all concerned parties that the Association will not tolerate deliberate breach of performance contracts by any artist, musician, entertainer, or their representatives,” stated Gachoka.
In the Release, BAHLITA maintains that Effective immediately;
1. Any artist or entertainer who receives payment and fails to honour their contractual obligation without lawful cause shall be reported to the Association.
2. BAHLITA shall pursue all available legal remedies against individuals or entities found to have breached performance agreements, including recovery of losses and damages incurred by affected members.
3. The Association shall maintain records of such incidents and may recommend restriction or suspension of access to performance opportunities within establishments operated by our members nationwide.
4. Members are encouraged to ensure all engagements are supported by written contracts clearly outlining terms of performance, payment conditions, cancellation clauses, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
“We remain committed to promoting professionalism, accountability, and fairness within Kenya’s entertainment and hospitality sectors. Artists and event organizers must uphold integrity and respect contractual agreements for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders,” stated Gachoka.
Members who encounter such incidents, BAHLITA has advised them to immediately report the matter to the Association Secretariat with all supporting documentation for appropriate action.
“Let this serve as a formal warning to any artist or entertainer contemplating breach of contract that BAHLITA is prepared to defend the interests of its members through lawful and decisive action,” Gachoka added.