(Jamaica Gleaner) On the heels of last weekend’s titanic clash between dancehall artistes Beenie Man and Bounty Killer that captured the attention of international fans, media outlets, and industry players, there is a push for the two to be reissued with United States visas to promote Jamaican music and culture.
“This was a boost to our spirits, our tourism, our economy, our music, and, most importantly, Brand Jamaica,” international reggae artiste Shaggy, whose given name is Orville Burrell, said.
“It’s about time we rally the powers that be to free up these artistes …, allow them travelling visas and work permits so they can travel freely to promote our culture and represent our brand.
At the time, an email advisory was sent to airlines not to board the artiste, as well as three other deejays, as their visas were being revoked.
Several other dancehall acts are without a US visa, among them Popcaan and Tommy Lee Sparta.
