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.