Zimbabwean music icon Jah Prayzah, fresh off thrilling fans across the globe on his "Ndini Mukudzeyi World Tour," has faced an unexpected roadblock on his journey – a frustrating visa denial has forced him to cancel highly anticipated performances in the United States, leaving fans stateside heartbroken just ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
Tour Troubles: Technical Glitch Grounds US Dates
The multi-award-winning artist was set to bring his electrifying stage presence to Washington, D.C., on July 4th and Dallas, Texas, on July 5th. However, a sudden announcement from the superstar confirmed the cancellation. In a statement shared with a "heavy heart," Jah Prayzah attributed the setback to a "technical issue" during the visa application process for himself and his band."We attended our visa appointments earlier this month," he explained, "but due to a technical issue on our application forms, we couldn’t proceed." This glitch meant restarting the entire process, and devastatingly, no new appointment slots were available in time for the scheduled shows.
Fan Frustration and The Artist's Apology
The news sent ripples of disappointment through his dedicated fanbase in the US, many of whom had already made extensive plans, booking travel and accommodation, in addition to purchasing tickets. Acknowledging the inconvenience and upset, Jah Prayzah expressed his sincere apologies to his loyal supporters, assuring them he was "just as ready to give you the show you deserve."![]() |
Jah Prayzah's American Dream Hits Visa Hurdle: Independence Day Shows Cancelled! |
He promised that full refunds would be processed for all ticket holders.
Beyond the Politics: Acknowledging The Effort
Amidst speculation, Jah Prayzah was quick to dismiss rumours suggesting the visa issues were politically motivated. While acknowledging that "some things are simply beyond anyone’s control," he praised the efforts of both the U.S. Consulate and the American promoters, DJ Nhunzi and Xcelerate, for their attempts to assist. His statement reinforced that despite the unfortunate outcome, the issue was technical, not political, underscoring the complex nature of international travel permissions.New Visa Scrutiny Adds Context
While Jah Prayzah cited a specific "technical issue," the cancellation comes at a time when the U.S. Department of State has implemented stricter guidelines for visa applications. These recent updates emphasize a more "comprehensive and thorough vetting," which now explicitly includes reviewing applicants' online presence to ensure they pose no threat to U.S. security or interests. The policy mandates that applicants must "credibly establish their eligibility" and prove their intended activities align with their visa type. While not directly stated as the cause of his specific "technical issue," this broader context highlights the increasingly rigorous landscape of international travel approvals.The Show Goes On (In Canada!)
Despite the US disappointment, there's good news for North American fans elsewhere. Jah Prayzah confirmed that his scheduled performances in Canada are still on track. He is expected to perform in Edmonton on July 11th and Toronto on July 12th, promising his Canadian fans that those dates remain unaffected.Looking ahead, Jah Prayzah expressed his unwavering commitment to his US fanbase, promising to make it up to them. "I remain indebted and promise to fulfil this part of the tour in the very near future," he stated, assuring supporters that new American tour dates will be announced as soon as they are finalized.