Film producer David Kazadi has broken his silence following the controversy surrounding the lawsuit filed by Icon Zambia Season 1 winner Emmanuel Muleba, popularly referred to as Karlos Mule, over an alleged failure to deliver a house and a K1 million music recording contract.
In a lengthy statement shared on Facebook, Kazadi said he had not been formally served with any court documents and described learning about the legal action through social media as a shock. He also defended Muleba, describing him as a talented young man whom he cares about, while suggesting that the situation may have been influenced by frustration and what he believes is poor advice.
Addressing the disputed prizes, Kazadi maintained that the organisations involved had fulfilled several components of Muleba’s grand prize, including the cash award, luxury vehicle, medical insurance and grocery vouchers. He further claimed that Muleba received a fully furnished luxury apartment, with his living expenses covered for more than a year and a half after the initial property sponsor allegedly failed to meet its obligations.
According to Kazadi, the original plan was to construct Muleba’s permanent home after the sponsorship setback. He acknowledged that there had been delays, attributing them partly to business challenges and legal battles that disrupted his personal and corporate plans during 2025.
Kazadi also revealed that, in addition to the prizes already mentioned, Muleba allegedly received a plot of land, fuel support for approximately six months, yearly Nando’s vouchers, radio promotion and opportunities to perform at embassy and private events.
On the music recording contract, Kazadi claimed that an agreement had been presented to Muleba but was never signed. This differs from the dispute as described in the lawsuit, in which Muleba is seeking the promised recording contract or damages for the alleged breach of agreement.
The film producer further stated that private communications, WhatsApp exchanges, contracts and written agreements exist between the parties. He said these records would be presented in court if the legal proceedings move forward.
Regarding the house, Kazadi claimed that he had communicated with Muleba and his legal team in July about beginning construction on the land allocated to the winner. According to his account, they had agreed to a construction period of between eight and 12 months, while rental support would end in July so that resources could be redirected towards building the permanent home.
Kazadi insisted that Muleba was aware of the proposed timeline and rejected claims that the winner had been abruptly abandoned. He added that the relevant corporate entities would address the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
The dispute follows reports that Muleba took the matter to the Lusaka High Court, seeking an order compelling Kazadi Films Limited and its director, David Kazadi, to deliver the house and recording contract or pay damages for the alleged breach of contract and lost professional opportunities.
Muleba reportedly won Icon Zambia Season 1 at the grand finale held at East Park Mall on October 24, 2024. The prize package was said to include a fully furnished double-storey house, a K1 million recording contract, a Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, medical insurance, Shoprite grocery vouchers for one year and K100,000 in cash.
As the matter develops, the competing accounts raise questions about the outstanding prize commitments, the status of the recording contract and the arrangements made for Muleba’s permanent home.
The allegations and claims made by both parties have yet to be determined by the court. For now, the dispute remains an ongoing legal matter, with the final outcome dependent on the evidence and any findings made through the legal process.
