In a resounding crescendo of cheers from the global Reggae and Dancehall community, the announcement of Sizzla Kalonji’s reinstated U.S. work permit after a five-year hiatus has sparked waves of jubilation and anticipation. Prism Marketing Consultants broke the news earlier this week, igniting a fervour of excitement within the diaspora entertainment circles.
Fans of the iconic Reggae figure were elated to learn that Sizzla, renowned for his powerful and socially conscious lyrics, will soon again grace American soil. With his first assignment scheduled for August 10, 2024, at the Boston Dancehall Reggae Fest Series, anticipation for his return is palpable among supporters worldwide.
Among those celebrating the news is none other than Dancehall luminary Bounty Killer, whose reaction on social media echoed the sentiments of many. “Powers youth Selassie I pickney??,” he wrote via the comment section of Sizzla’s official Instagram account, encapsulating the shared joy within the community.
However, amidst the outpouring of support for Sizzla’s reinstatement, another narrative has emerged—fans are advocating for the return of the Warlord’s own U.S. work visa. Comment threads such as, “Well, it’s about time for them to give Bounty Killer his visa” on various social media platforms brim with hope and encouragement for the ‘cross, angry, miserable’ deejay to regain the freedom of travelling to the United States, where his presence on the Reggae-Dancehall scene is severely missed.
Bounty Killer, born Rodney Price, has faced his own challenges regarding international travel. While he celebrated the reinstatement of his U.K. visa last September after a 13-year hiatus, his U.S. visa/work permit remains elusive. Speculations abound regarding the reasons behind this prolonged restriction, with Bounty himself suggesting that his association with convicted figure Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke may have played a role.
In an interview with The FIX, the entertainer shed light on the complexities of his visa situation, clarifying that a minor marijuana charge in the U.S. could not have been the primary factor behind the revocation. Despite travelling on waivers for over a decade, evolving marijuana laws and shifting geopolitical dynamics may have contributed to his ongoing visa challenges.
As fans eagerly anticipate Sizzla’s return to the American stage, the rallying cry for Bounty Killer’s visa reinstatement grows louder.
