Posted on 03/14/2017 12:11:10 PM PDT by csvset
NEW YORK (AFP) - At least four bands have been forced to cancel at South by Southwest after being refused entry into the United States, with some artists blaming President Donald Trump's policies.
South by Southwest, the annual extravaganza of film, music and technology underway in Austin, Texas, has long been a launching point for bands seeking a break in the music industry.
London-based United Vibrations, whose members include brothers Ahmad, Kareem and Yussef Dayes, said their authorizations to enter the United States were revoked.
"We were looking forward to connecting with our brothers and sisters stateside to share our music. Why weren't we let in? Our names? The music? The color of our skin?" the band, which merges styles from Afropop to jazz to hip-hop to punk, wrote on Facebook on Monday.
The group blamed Trump's policies but added: "There are a lot of people in much more difficult situations and suffering at the hands of external and discriminatory forces at play here."
Yussef Kamaal, another act with Yussef Dayes, also was obliged to scrap South by Southwest.
It was unclear to what extent Trump's actions played in the South by Southwest cases.
Nationals of most developed countries are allowed to enter the United States without visas. A 2015 law restricts that right for people who have visited seven Muslim-majority countries.
Trump since taking office has championed a tougher stance on immigration, with a complete ban on citizens from six of those countries taking effect Thursday.
The United States requires foreign performing artists to have visas to tour but traditionally has made exceptions for showcases such as South by Southwest.
An Italian post-punk band, Soviet Soviet, said its three members were handcuffed, jailed overnight with common criminals and deported after being refused entry last week at the Seattle airport.
(Excerpt) Read more at france24.com ...
However can life continue for those wanting to see those bands?
Oh the huge manatee!
Well, guess they’ll just have to promote American bands. There’s a visa requirement and always has been. So not only does the event seem like Podunk, the accusation seems false or stretched way to thin.
Good!
In case you’re curious. But I can’t say that I recommend it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdaVBUTaIgI
I doubt it. People get visas to come here all the time.
Fixed it.
Somewhat reminiscent of Earth, Wind, and Fire, yet lacking their talent and mellow, smooth lyrics.
And something else.....imagination?
London-based United Vibrations, whose members include brothers Ahmad, Kareem and Yussef Dayes”
...the Peter, Paul and Mary of Isis!
Hey, don’t follow a terroristic cult and stuff like this might not happen.
They are working so they need Visas. Yes/no?
I feel safer already.
I’ve read other storys about the Soviet Soviet exclusion. They were barred because they tried to enter on a visa promising no paid appearances, but they were booked into paid venues. It has nothing to do with the travel ban, but was based on visa fraud.
Yes. And apparently there are provisions to deny them if they’ve been to certain countries.
Wouldn't a more apt band name be "Sudden Jihad"
I guarantee you that at least 51%, if not more, of people in live in the Austin Metropolitan Area (not downtown) wish that SXSW would take a hike!
What boring monotonous crap. But yeah, I was warned!
Liberals have a particular affinity for this kind of music, not because they actually like it, but because it is non-white music from 3rd world cultures. For these people, diversity trumps quality every time.
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