Harare – Zimdancehall artist Silent Killer, real name Jimmy Mudereri, became the centre of a bizarre drama this weekend after his refusal to board a flight to the United Kingdom, citing a premonition that the plane would explode mid-air. The incident has not only cost promoters thousands of dollars but has also reignited concerns about drug abuse within Zimbabwe’s music scene.
The “Hatitongwi nemasalad” chanter was scheduled to perform at the SAMA Festival UK 2025 in Leicester on Saturday, alongside Sungura music virtuoso Alick Macheso, Mambo Dhuterere, and other top Zimbabwean artists. However, his performance never materialised due to his dramatic refusal to fly.
According to Y2K Promotions’ Fred Matenga, Silent Killer checked in at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, passport and VISA in hand, ready for his flight. But, in a baffling turn of events, he retreated at the last minute, claiming a dream foretold the plane’s demise.
“Silent Killer refused to board a UK-bound flight because he had a dream it would explode,” Matenga told a news conference.
Undeterred, the promotion team secured another ticket for the artist, costing a further US$1,500, for an evening flight. However, Silent Killer repeated his antics, locking himself in an airport toilet to avoid being persuaded to board the plane.
“He missed the first flight and my colleague had to booked another flight and paid US$1,500. Unfortunately, this time he locked himself in the airport toilet,” Matenga explained.
Silent Killer’s no-show at the UK SAMA Festival has been attributed to his alleged misuse of drugs and substances. The Mbare-born musician, also known as ‘Ngwere’ and for his tagline “Ngirozi Yehondo”, has been producing captivating Zimdancehall music since 2011, known for his freestyles.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the prevalence of drug abuse among youths in Zimbabwe’s populous suburbs, commonly referred to as ghettos. Silent Killer’s behaviour has shone a spotlight on the issue, raising concerns about the impact of drugs on young talent.
Adding a touch of humour to the situation, legendary Sungura musician Alick Macheso couldn’t resist poking fun at Silent Killer’s dramatic excuse during a recent press conference. In a video shared by Zimbolive, Macheso mimicked the Zimdancehall artist’s claim:
“Mumwe akatotaura kuti, ‘Handisi kuuya. Ndege inenge irikuda kudonha. Yanzi irikuda kudonha ndege iyoyo.’” (Someone even said, “I’m not coming. The plane is about to crash. They said that plane is about to crash.”)
However, Macheso used the opportunity to address a more serious issue affecting many young artists today – drug abuse. He expressed concern that drugs are derailing promising talent in the music industry.
Macheso pointed out the physical deterioration he has witnessed in young people due to drug use.
“Vamwe vacho tirikuvaona kuti mwana wangu uyu aipfeka size 42 but izvino akupfeka size 28. Svondo rega rega unenge achitakura mbatya kunodzoresa kwa tailor kunodzoresa. Nekuda kwechinhu chatirikuona kuti chinhu ichi chirikuuraya vana saizvozvo vari vaduku. Vane zvipo zvavo,” Macheso said. (We are seeing some of them, this child used to wear size 42 but now wears size 28. Every week they are taking clothes to the tailor to adjust. Because of this thing we see that is killing young children like that. They have their gifts.)
Macheso’s remarks highlight the devastating impact of drug abuse on Zimbabwe’s youth, particularly within the creative industries. Silent Killer’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by young artists and the need for greater support and intervention to combat drug abuse.
The incident has left fans disappointed and promoters counting their losses. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Silent Killer, but his recent behaviour has undoubtedly tarnished his reputation and raised serious questions about his professionalism and well-being.
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