AWARD-WINNING kwaito star Professor is in hot water for failing to perform at controversial Durban businessman Shawn Mpisane's lavish birthday party after being paid more than R30000.

The bash at the five-star Fairmont Hotel & Resort in Zimbali attracted the who's who of celebrities, who included socialites Khanyi Mbau, Kenny Kunene, radio and TV personality Penny Lebyane, President Jacob Zuma's nephew Khulubuse Zuma, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize's wife May and businessman Vivian Reddy.

The guests were entertained by the Grammy Award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri and Thandiswa Mazwai.

A source told Sowetan that Professor, who was billed to perform with Judith Siphuma and Jaziel Brothers at the party in the evening, told Generations star Sophie Ndaba, who was the organiser of the party, that he wanted to perform earlier because he had another booking in Cape Town.

But when Ndaba refused to allow him to perform earlier, Professor left for the Cape Town gig, leaving the organisers in limbo.

"Sophie told him he was not going to perform early because there were people already booked for that slot. Professor decided to leave without performing.

"The couple had paid him more than R30000, flew him to Durban and booked five-star accommodation for him," said the source.

Ndaba said she was still waiting for Professor to come back to her.

"He promised to come back to us and sort the issue out. We are still waiting."

Professor was not available for comment.

His manager Scotch said he was in Mozambique.

"All I know is that he went to Durban on that day. I do not know what happened afterwards," said Scotch.