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Promoter 'silences' 'Silent Killer'?
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Zimbabwean dancehall artist Jimmy Mudereri, widely known by his stage name 'Silent Killer,' is facing a demand for US$122,170 from Y2K Entertainment, the organisers of the UK SAMA Festival, after failing to perform at the event held in April 2025.
Silent Killer was scheduled to perform at the festival on the 19th and 20th of April but sparked controversy when he refused to board his flight to the United Kingdom. Although he checked in at Robert Mugabe International Airport, the artist suddenly backed out, citing a troubling dream about an airplane explosion as the reason for his refusal to fly.
Y2K Entertainment has revealed that after Silent Killer's last-minute withdrawal, they were forced to purchase additional airline tickets, including a second ticket costing US$1,500. According to the organisers, the artist locked himself in an airport toilet to avoid boarding, resulting in significant financial losses and reputational damage due to breach of contract.
In a letter of demand obtained by NewZimbabwe, Y2K Entertainment detailed various alleged breaches of contract and unprofessional behaviour by Silent Killer. The organisers say that he caused delays in his visa application process by failing to disclose that his passport had been withheld due to an outstanding debt of about US$580. The letter claims that the passport was only retrieved after Y2K paid US$500, which Silent Killer allegedly kept for himself.
Further complicating the situation, Silent Killer reportedly arrived late for his visa application interview and required a second interview to be arranged at the organisers' expense. The delayed visa issuance meant that he missed his originally scheduled 3 pm flight. Y2K had to purchase two additional tickets, none of which were used by Silent Killer.
The performance contract stipulated that Silent Killer would receive an initial deposit of US$500 before departure, with the remaining balance of US$2,000 payable upon arrival in the UK. The organisers maintain that the artist received a total of US$1,500 upfront but still refused to board the plane.
According to the letter, upon arriving at the airport on 18 April, Silent Killer refused to leave the car or board the plane even after being checked in. He allegedly demanded an extra US$300 to travel with his girlfriend, a demand outside the terms of the contract. Despite the organisers sending the requested funds through an intermediary, the artist continued to avoid boarding by locking himself in a toilet.
Although he later asked for another flight and gave the impression of wanting to fulfill his contract, Silent Killer again refused to board the second flight scheduled for 6 pm that same day. He cited the disturbing dream about a plane crash as his reason and reportedly chose to eat at the airport restaurant rather than checking in.
As a result, Y2K Entertainment had to find a last-minute replacement in Oriyano, an artist already in the UK, which led to extra costs and a reduced audience turnout. The organisers also accuse Silent Killer of making false and damaging allegations about them during a podcast interview, causing further reputational harm.
The organisers' claimed losses include expenses related to emergency passport fees, multiple airline tickets, accommodation for the replacement artist, lost income due to the artist's absence, and significant damage to their reputation.
Y2K Entertainment has formally demanded that Silent Killer pay the full amount within seven days or face legal action. The letter warns that failure to settle the debt will result in summons being issued without further notice and that all recovery costs will be borne by the artist.
Silent Killer has yet to issue a public response to the allegations or the demand notice. This case underscores growing tensions between Zimbabwean artists and event organisers abroad as contractual disputes become more frequent.
Silent Killer was scheduled to perform at the festival on the 19th and 20th of April but sparked controversy when he refused to board his flight to the United Kingdom. Although he checked in at Robert Mugabe International Airport, the artist suddenly backed out, citing a troubling dream about an airplane explosion as the reason for his refusal to fly.
Y2K Entertainment has revealed that after Silent Killer's last-minute withdrawal, they were forced to purchase additional airline tickets, including a second ticket costing US$1,500. According to the organisers, the artist locked himself in an airport toilet to avoid boarding, resulting in significant financial losses and reputational damage due to breach of contract.
In a letter of demand obtained by NewZimbabwe, Y2K Entertainment detailed various alleged breaches of contract and unprofessional behaviour by Silent Killer. The organisers say that he caused delays in his visa application process by failing to disclose that his passport had been withheld due to an outstanding debt of about US$580. The letter claims that the passport was only retrieved after Y2K paid US$500, which Silent Killer allegedly kept for himself.
Further complicating the situation, Silent Killer reportedly arrived late for his visa application interview and required a second interview to be arranged at the organisers' expense. The delayed visa issuance meant that he missed his originally scheduled 3 pm flight. Y2K had to purchase two additional tickets, none of which were used by Silent Killer.
The performance contract stipulated that Silent Killer would receive an initial deposit of US$500 before departure, with the remaining balance of US$2,000 payable upon arrival in the UK. The organisers maintain that the artist received a total of US$1,500 upfront but still refused to board the plane.
According to the letter, upon arriving at the airport on 18 April, Silent Killer refused to leave the car or board the plane even after being checked in. He allegedly demanded an extra US$300 to travel with his girlfriend, a demand outside the terms of the contract. Despite the organisers sending the requested funds through an intermediary, the artist continued to avoid boarding by locking himself in a toilet.
Although he later asked for another flight and gave the impression of wanting to fulfill his contract, Silent Killer again refused to board the second flight scheduled for 6 pm that same day. He cited the disturbing dream about a plane crash as his reason and reportedly chose to eat at the airport restaurant rather than checking in.
As a result, Y2K Entertainment had to find a last-minute replacement in Oriyano, an artist already in the UK, which led to extra costs and a reduced audience turnout. The organisers also accuse Silent Killer of making false and damaging allegations about them during a podcast interview, causing further reputational harm.
The organisers' claimed losses include expenses related to emergency passport fees, multiple airline tickets, accommodation for the replacement artist, lost income due to the artist's absence, and significant damage to their reputation.
Y2K Entertainment has formally demanded that Silent Killer pay the full amount within seven days or face legal action. The letter warns that failure to settle the debt will result in summons being issued without further notice and that all recovery costs will be borne by the artist.
Silent Killer has yet to issue a public response to the allegations or the demand notice. This case underscores growing tensions between Zimbabwean artists and event organisers abroad as contractual disputes become more frequent.
Source - newzimbabwe
