Silento Is Held In United Arab Emirates Over Contract Dispute

Silento has been hit with a travel ban. The 19-year-old “rapper,” best known for his hit, “Watch Me (Whip Nae Nae) is stuck in the United States Emirates, due to an apparent contract dispute.

The teen reportedly skipped two shows in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain late last month, despite receiving payment. The court order dictates that Silento, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, cannot leave the country until he pays 300,000 dirham ($81,500).

Jenna Kadhum, who represents Silento in the Middle East, disputed the allegations against the performer and accused the promoter of failing to live up to his end of the agreement.

“Silento did not cancel any shows at all,” Kadhum said. The rapper only learned of the travel ban against him on Wednesday, she added.The dispute centers on shows Silento was supposed to play in Al Ain and the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 18, according to Makki Taj El Sir Abdel Halim, who owns event organizer Mackie Entertainment.

The promoter said he is seeking to recover lost expenses, including performance fees as well as travel and marketing costs.

“He didn’t show up,” Abdel Halim said in an interview. “I just want to get my own money back. … I don’t want to ruin his reputation.”