Harare – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Zimbabwean music scene, popular dancehall artist Silent Killer, real name Jimmy Mudereri, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a music promoter of US$250. The arrest comes after a series of events that have cast a dark shadow over the “Zvichitobhowa” hitmaker’s career, highlighting a pattern of questionable behaviour.
The incident unfolded on 3 June when Seh Wish Entertainment engaged Silent Killer to headline the Mambodo Birthday Bash on 22 June. A representative from the company, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Silent Killer demanded a fee of US$500 for the performance, receiving a US$250 advance payment upfront. The remaining balance was to be paid on the day of the event.
“We sent him the event flier to promote on his social media pages,” the representative explained. “However, we were surprised to see that he never promoted the event, which he was supposed to be headlining.”
On the night of the event, fans eagerly awaited Silent Killer’s performance, only to be met with disappointment. The artist was nowhere to be found. “People had come specifically to see him perform ‘Ngwere’,” the representative lamented. “We tried to reach him, but he ignored our calls.”
Days later, the promoter finally managed to get in touch with Silent Killer, but the encounter was far from pleasant. In a recorded phone call, obtained by iHarare, the promoter confronted the chanter about his failure to appear and demanded the return of the advance payment.
Silent Killer’s response was far from apologetic. “Iwewe wakadzorera vanhu here mari yawakatora pa gate? Indava uine hutsinye iwewe mpfanha iwewe? Haikona kuita zveruvengo uriwe wakauya uchikumbira. Brain dzako dzakadhakwa. Madiro acho aunoita profit ka akanyanya. Remember wakakumbira iwewe mari yako haitokwane,” he retorted.
In essence, Silent Killer accused the promoter of being dishonest and claimed that the promoter was the one who was in the wrong for requesting the return of the money. He even went so far as to suggest that the promoter was “brainwashed” and that the event had made significant profits.
The promoter, disheartened by Silent Killer’s behaviour, attempted to resolve the matter amicably. Silent Killer initially agreed to repay the US$250, claiming he was expecting a payment, but ultimately failed to follow through on his promise.
The promoter then reported the matter to ZRP Matapi, who invited Silent Killer to the station. However, the artist refused to cooperate, leading to his arrest on Saturday, 13 July.
This is not the first time Silent Killer has faced legal trouble. In November 2011, he was arrested for attempted murder, a charge that was later reduced to assault. The incident involved Tinashe Kamudyariwa, younger brother of popular DJ Fantan. Tinashe was hospitalised following the altercation, but Silent Killer was ultimately cleared of the charges.
However, the incident strained the relationship between Silent Killer and DJ Fantan, co-owner of Chillspot, also known as Mangoma Depot. In March 2022, DJ Fantan publicly severed ties with Silent Killer, citing his drug addiction and disruptive behaviour.
“I do not want to see Silent Killer at our studio anymore. He should stay away and find another stable of his choice,” DJ Fantan declared. “He is a drug addict and vicious man who is bringing a lot of problems to our stable, in the process soiling our name. He is also in the habit of spitting vulgar language. We don’t want him to corrupt other artistes, thus we have decided to let him go.”
Silent Killer’s recent arrest has once again brought his past behaviour into the spotlight, raising questions about his commitment to his craft and his respect for the industry. As he faces fraud charges, the dancehall star’s future remains uncertain, with many wondering if he can salvage his career after this latest setback.
