Zimbabwean dancehall artist Silent Killer, real name Jimmy Mudereri, is embroiled in a major contractual dispute after allegedly breaching his performance agreement with UK-based event organisers Y2K Entertainment. The organisers are now demanding US$122,170 in damages following the artist’s failure to appear at the UK SAMA Festival held in April 2025.
Silent Killer was scheduled to perform on April 19 and 20 at the highly anticipated event, but controversy erupted when the artist refused to board his flight to the United Kingdom at the last minute. According to Y2K Entertainment, although he checked in at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, he abruptly backed out, claiming he had a disturbing dream about a plane explosion and felt unsafe traveling.
Y2K Entertainment described the incident as both costly and damaging. In their formal letter of demand, the organisers stated that Silent Killer‘s sudden withdrawal led to cascading financial and logistical complications. The company was forced to purchase additional airline tickets, including one reportedly valued at US$1,500, in an attempt to accommodate the artist’s erratic behavior.
Organisers say Silent Killer locked himself in an airport toilet to avoid boarding his scheduled flight, a move they claim not only caused financial losses but also undermined their reputation as professional promoters of Zimbabwean talent abroad.
Further, Y2K alleges that Silent Killer failed to disclose crucial information during his visa application process. They claim his passport had been withheld over an unpaid debt of around US$580, leading to delays. To retrieve the passport, Y2K allegedly paid US$500, which Silent Killer is said to have pocketed instead of settling his debt.
The situation deteriorated as Silent Killer allegedly showed up late.
The situation worsened when Silent Killer allegedly arrived late for his initial visa interview, forcing organisers to arrange and pay for a second appointment. As a result of these delays, he missed his originally booked 3 p.m. flight. Y2K Entertainment reportedly purchased two more airline tickets to ensure he could travel, but none were utilized.
Under the performance contract, Silent Killer was entitled to a US$500 deposit before departure and a US$2,000 balance upon arrival in the UK. The organisers say the artist received US$1,500 in total but still failed to travel and honor the agreement.
On April 18, the day of travel, Y2K claims Silent Killer refused to exit his vehicle after arriving at the airport. He then allegedly demanded an additional US$300 to bring his girlfriend along, despite this being outside the agreed terms. Even after the funds were sent via an intermediary, he did not board and instead locked himself in a restroom until the flight departed.
He later requested to be rebooked on another flight and gave assurances that he would attend the event. However, at 6 p.m. that same evening, Silent Killer once again refused to board, citing his premonition of a plane crash and instead dined at the airport restaurant.
Faced with the last-minute cancellation, Y2K Entertainment had to secure a replacement performer, Oriyano, who was already in the UK. This unexpected change led to increased expenses and a smaller crowd turnout, affecting the festival’s overall success.
Y2K also accuses Silent Killer of slandering the organisers during a podcast interview, where he allegedly made false and damaging claims about the company. This, they say, added to their reputational harm.
The US$122,170 being demanded includes costs for:
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Emergency passport assistance
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Multiple unused airline tickets
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Hotel accommodations for the replacement artist
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Lost ticket revenue
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Reputational damage
The letter of demand clearly states that if Silent Killer fails to settle the debt within seven days, legal proceedings will begin without further warning. All costs associated with recovery will be passed on to the artist.
As of now, Silent Killer has not made any public statement regarding the allegations or the legal threat. His silence has left fans and industry insiders speculating about the fallout and what it means for his career.
This case highlights increasing friction between Zimbabwean artists and international event organisers, particularly concerning professionalism, travel commitments, and contractual obligations. As the global demand for Zimbabwean music grows, so too does the scrutiny artists face when navigating international performances.
If unresolved, the legal case could severely impact Silent Killer’s ability to secure future bookings abroad, potentially tarnishing a career already marked by controversy.
Source- Bulawayo24
