Busy Signal says he is in disbelief after being denied a Canadian visa.
The dancehall veteran shared the news via Instagram on Friday, telling his Canadian fans they won’t see him in concert anytime soon. The deejay called out the Canadian High Commission while asking the Jamaican government to help him with what he calls an “injustice.” Busy Signal also shared a screenshot of the denial letter he received from the Canadian government outlining their reasons for denying him a visa.
“My dear Canadian Fans, I was hoping this would be a surprise announcement that you are finally going to get to see me in concert,” Busy wrote. “However, for some reason I ‘BUSY SIGNAL’ risks running off with no intention of leaving smh, as according to the agents at the Canadian High Commission.”
Busy Signal says he was denied a visa because the High Commission agent cited that he would not leave the country upon arrival. The “Night Shift” deejay pushed back against the assumption, saying he is a globally recognized star. “As a globally recognized Jamaican artist with an impeccable business track record, no current police record of any sort from any country, with active visas from the U.K., the U.S.A. and Europe, I am calling on my country’s authorities for support in addressing the injustice, prejudice, and racist response I received,” he wrote.
Some fans pointed out in the comments that Busy Signal might’ve applied for the wrong visa as he applied for a temporary resident visa and not a work visa as customary for recording artists performing at shows in foreign countries. However, the dancehall artist says this has been his route for two decades in the music business.
“Just to clear up a misunderstanding I see in the comments,” he wrote. “So I’ve always applied for visiting first, appear in the country to meet with possible business partners before planning a tour or concert then apply for a work visa. This was only first step. So no, I did not give the impression I planned to work on a visiting. Over 20 years in the music business traveling. So I, nor my team would do something so stupid.”
On the music front, Busy Signal has two new songs bubbling on the airwaves. “Pull Up” featuring Rik Rok and “Mek Eh Bounce” with Prettii Prettii have been gaining traction since being released late last year.
