Gambia’s Humanity Starz denied visa for US Tour

Mbye Bittaye, manager of Humanity Starz, explained: “We would like to inform our fans both home and abroad who are anticipating the concerts that it has been canceled because we were denied visa. Our refusal of visa to US affects the band a lots both onstage and outside stage and we have spent so many time and resources on the trip.

“The grounds of our refusal are on two major issues, we are young, not married and there is a likelihood that if we are granted we might not return back.”

“I urge the embassies in The Gambia to open their doors to Gambian artists and give consideration to our artists to build their career by spreading their wings outside world,” he stressed.

Humanity Starz management said the first concert was scheduled on 3 October at Buzz Ware Café and tickets was pegged at $10 on 4 October, 2015 at The Awaken Heart Spiritual Center; on 9 October, at Stubbs Elementary School; on 10 October GG’s Theater African Fashion night; on 11 October at The Mother African Union Church; on 17 October at Chestertown at The Kent County Public Library and Garfield Center.

Alieu Badara, lead vocalist for Humanity Starz said, “This is a very big setback for Gambian music, because we are been together for eleven years, so if we are denied this opportunity others will fell discouraged.”

He added that it is very heart breaking because fans in US were anticipating to see them performing. “We want to say to our fans, sorry,' he said. Adding that he assures fans "that we will continue to entertain and educate them in our music...we are hoping to perform for them. To our embassies in The Gambia open your doors to Gambian artists to explore the world by selling Gambian culture to the world.

"We are here to stay. Refusing us visa means you are killing Gambian artists.”

First published 20 November in the Gambia Voice