La De Da Festival Loses 2 Acts; Kora And Katchafire Pull Out Following Dispute

New Zealand music festival La De Da has lost two of its major acts just a few weeks before the big event. Katchafire and Kora announced have announced that they are pulling out of the New Year's Eve festival line-up, citing "unfulfilled contractual obligations" on the part of the Martinborough festival.

"KORA and KATCHAFIRE have announced that they will no longer be playing this year's La De Da festival after the contracting terms of their much anticipated appearances could not be met by the festival organisers," a statement on the Much More Music Web site reads.

Instead of the La De Da festival, the two reggae acts will be at the New Year's Eve show at New Plymouth's Butlers Reef.

Much More Music director Peter Campbell, who manages the acts, said that he was considering suing the La De Da directors, explaining that their company and the festival's relationship broke down more than a month ago and that the festival has "unfulfilled contractual obligations" but would not elaborate further.

"To have to reorganise shows at this late stage, at the busiest time of year, not to mention the cost of a new venue, promotion, travel, and accommodation, it's a last resort really," he was quoted by the Fairfax NZ News as saying.

Following the bands' exit announcement, some ticketholders are asking for refund, while others are still waiting for possible replacement. The organisers have not promised securing replacements for Kora and Katchafire or even assured ticketholders of refund, but said that they are "working on a solution" and will announce by midday the next day.

However, come Friday, which was the end of the timeframe given by the organisers, there was still no announcement.

Rumours abound that A$AP Rocky and Flume, the festival's headliners, were also considering cancellation of their appearance, but La De Da organisers dispelled the reports.

Joining A$AP Rocky and Flume are Ladi6, Jack Beats, What So Not, Bombs Away, Dead Prez, DJ Yoda, and Opiuo among many others.

La De Da festival is set to be held from December 30 to 31.