HARARE – Zimdancehall artist Silent Killer has dismissed claims that he refused to board a UK-bound flight due to a dream that the plane would explode, instead accusing promoters of mistreatment, non-payment, and unequal treatment compared to fellow performers.
The controversial chanter, real name Jimmy Mudereri, had been scheduled to perform at the SAMA Festival in Leicester on Saturday alongside Zimbabwean music giants Alick Macheso and Mambo Dhuterere.
Promoters told journalists the artist checked in at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport but suddenly left for his car before takeoff, claiming he had dreamt the aircraft would explode.
“He locked himself in the airport toilet and refused to board the plane,” promoter Fred Matenga of Y2K Promotions said at a press conference.
But Silent Killer has fired back, accusing Y2K Promotions and its team of spreading falsehoods and attempting to discredit him. In an interview with DJ Sparks, the singer denied ever saying anything about an exploding plane and described the account as “a story manufactured to make me look funny.”
“I only go to the toilet once a week on Thursdays, and now they are saying I locked myself in the airport toilet. I’ve never even used an airport toilet,” Silent Killer said. “This disorder is from people trying to humiliate me, but it will catch up with them.”
He insisted his decision to stay behind was due to being denied part of his agreed payment before departure, citing a refusal by promoters to give him US$300 for his family. He said only US$600 of the promised US$2,000 had been paid to him.
“Last year they paid me US$3,500. Now they want to give me US$2,000 and split that with other expenses. I perform locally for the same amount – why should I fly out and return with nothing?” he said.
He also said he felt disrespected after his DJ was not issued tickets, unlike other artists who were traveling with full bands.
“I realised I was of no value to them the moment they left me behind. Then they start accusing me of drugs to justify it. Just because my face looks a certain way doesn’t mean I’ve committed a crime,” Silent Killer said.
The artist, who openly acknowledges past struggles with drug use, said he has changed and is no longer willing to compromise.
“I used to accept these deals without payment. Not anymore,” he said. “Jesus is my manager. From now on, people must deal with me directly.”
He said he believes his now ex two-faced manager, who was trying to please both him and the promoters, contributed to the breakdown in communication and eventual fallout.
Despite the controversy, Silent Killer expressed no regrets, saying he acted on principle.
“I’ve faced too many obstacles. I won’t be silent anymore because silence would see me accused of things I didn’t do.”
The post Silent Killer claims non-payment, not plane explosion fear, caused UK tour pullout appeared first on Zimbabwe News Now.