Following the cancelation of a number of tours and appearances over the better half of the last decade, reggae veteran and Grammy nominated recording artist Sizzla Kalonji recently had his visa reinstated by the US Embassy. The artist will now be able to travel to and perform in the States for the first time 8 in years.
Sizzla, born Miguel Collins, hasn't performed in the United States since his visa was revoked in 2008 so fans couldn't be more excited. It appears they won't have to wait long to see him as he's scheduled to headline the four-day Reggae On The River festival taking place August 4th-7th in Northern California.
Addressing the news, Kalonji said; "Praise unto the almighty, the U.S visa has been reinstated so you know the work continues so the fans can look out for Sizzla. Just more fire, more music, more joy, more happiness, more business and tek care of the family. Big up the fans dem, big up all the people who support Sizzla over the years, bless up mi lawyers dem because they have been doing good work, Rastafari up mi sey."
Sizzla's visa was originally revoked in 2010 along with fellow artists Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Aidonia and Mavado. While the United States Embassy did not give a reason for the action it's believed it was in relation to their highly controversial statements and lyrics toward the LGBTQ community. Sizzla's hit Nuh Appologize was a direct response to criticism singing "Badman don't apologize to no batty bwoy".
Fellow reggae artists Aidonia and Mavado also had their US visas reinstated recently, leaving Beenie Man and Bounty Killer still without. Added to the list of reggae artists without a current US visa are Jah Cure, Popcaan, Busy Signal, Kalado, Mr. Lex and Tommy Lee Sparta.
Watch Sizzla's music video for Greatest Mother off the Reggae Vibes Riddim from Reggae Vibes Music below. Directed by Dameon Gayle for Warrior Films, JA, produced by Reggae Vibes Music/Warriors Musick Production.