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In a heartfelt post on his official social media platforms, Nyashinski explained that despite the diligent efforts of the festival organisers, they were unable to secure visas for his team’s entry into the United States.
Nyashinski expressed his disappointment, saying, “We had very much looked forward to the tour and we sincerely apologise for all the inconvenience this has caused.”
What is the Madaraka Festival?
The Madaraka Festival is a prominent celebration of African music, culture, and community that has been growing in popularity since its inception in 2014.
This year, the festival marks its 10th anniversary and promises to be a grand affair with performances scheduled across thirteen cities in the United States.
The tour kicks off on May 25 in Dallas at the House of Blues and will conclude with a two-day event in Seattle on June 17 and 18, coinciding with the Juneteenth celebrations.
Lineup and Performers
The festival has an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed artists from various African countries. Alongside Nyashinski, the lineup included:
- Eddy Kenzo: Grammy-nominated Ugandan singer and music executive.
- Naomi Achu: Cameroonian singer, rapper, and songwriter.
- Dynamq: Award-winning DJ known for his Afro-Pop, Reggae, Afrobeat, and Afrohouse sets.
- Savara: singer, drummer, and a member of the popular group Sauti Sol.
Nyashinski has not had past issues about travelling to the United States, he has performed in several cities and has lived there for 10 years during his hiatus.
He returned to Kenya in 2016 to continue his pursuit of music.
READ: Nyashinski shares humbling lessons from experience in the U.S.
The Hurdles of Obtaining a U.S. Visa for Performers
Obtaining a visa to perform in the United States can be a challenging process for many international artists.
The hurdles involved can lead to delays, cancellations, and disappointments, as seen in Nyashinski’s recent announcement regarding the Madaraka Festival.
Here are the types of visas artists should obtain when applying for U.S. visas.
Types of Visas for Performers
Artists and entertainers typically apply for one of the following U.S. visas:
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
- P-1 Visa: For internationally recognized athletes or members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.
- P-2 Visa: For artists or entertainers who are part of a reciprocal exchange program.
- P-3 Visa: For artists or entertainers coming to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach under a culturally unique program.
Common Challenges in obtaining U.S. Visa
Complex Application Process
The application process for these visas is complex and requires extensive documentation.
Applicants must provide evidence of their extraordinary ability or international recognition, which can include awards, press coverage, and proof of high earnings. This process can be time-consuming and requires meticulous preparation.
Administrative Delays
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and consulates often face backlogs, leading to delays in processing visa applications.
According to a report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), wait times for visa processing have increased significantly in recent years.
READ: 2 simple requirements you should meet to apply for the U.S. Green Card
Security Clearances
Some applicants may be subject to additional security clearances, particularly if they come from countries that are considered high-risk by U.S. authorities.
These clearances can add weeks or even months to the processing time.
Consular Interviews
Visa applicants must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate. Scheduling these interviews can be difficult, especially in countries where U.S. consulates have limited capacity.
Additionally, consular officers have broad discretion in approving or denying visas, which can lead to inconsistent outcomes.
Economic and Political Factors
Economic sanctions, political tensions, or changes in immigration policy can also impact visa approvals.
For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary suspensions of visa processing and travel bans for certain countries, further complicating the situation for international artists.
Legal and Financial Costs
The legal and financial costs associated with obtaining a visa can be prohibitive. Artists often need to hire immigration attorneys to navigate the application process, which adds to the overall expense.