Controversial Zim dancehall artist Jimmy “Silent Killer” Mudereri faced a tumultuous scene this Sunday morning at Beitbridge’s Pagomba Cafe when he was heckled and prevented from leaving the venue after arriving late for his performance. The incident, captured in a video that quickly circulated on social media, showed the musician cornered against a precast wall by angry fans and staff, who were visibly upset by his tardiness.
In the footage, Silent Killer, also known as “Ngwere,” remains eerily calm despite the escalating tension around him. A group of men appears ready to confront him physically, while others hold them back. The chaos escalated to the point where a damaged white Nissan X-Trail, presumably belonging to the artist, had its windows shattered, reflecting the anger of the crowd who felt cheated by the late arrival.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the altercation intensified after Silent Killer allegedly told fans, “handitongwe nema salad,” which translates to “I won’t be intimidated by salad,” further provoking the audience. Showbiz pundit Lesley Gumende commented on the incident, stating, “The nasty confrontation only serves to confirm the need for local musicians to take their work seriously and to desist from abusing alcohol and drugs, lest their careers never take off.”
Silent Killer has been a notable figure in the Zim dancehall scene since 2011. Hailing from Mbare, he proudly claims to have significantly contributed to the genre’s development. However, his career has been marred by allegations of substance misuse, raising concerns about his commitment to his craft. His manager, Paul Shambare, has acknowledged the challenges faced by the artist, stating, “We are working hard to resuscitate his career so that he earns his rightful spot among the country’s top Zim dancehall artistes. He is immensely talented; all he needs to do is to shun drugs and work hard.”
As Silent Killer navigates this turbulent period, the incident at Pagomba Cafe serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by artists in the industry. It highlights the critical need for professionalism and accountability, especially in an era where public perception can make or break a career. With ongoing efforts for rehabilitation and career revival, fans and industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see if Silent Killer can rise from this controversy and reclaim his place in the vibrant world of Zim dancehall music.
In other news – Zimbabwe unveils young squad for T20 World Cup Regional Qualifiers
Zimbabwe has officially announced a promising 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Kenya this month. This youthful lineup, which highlights the nation’s commitment to developing emerging talent, includes the uncapped duo of all-rounder Tashinga Musekiwa and fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa.
In a strategic move, the selection sees the return of fast bowler Trevor Gwandu, alongside 11 players retained from the squad that recently faced India in July. Read More
