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Jah Prayzar and Sulumani Chmbetu

Ruth Butaumocho Entertainment Editor
Suluman Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah yesterday had their United Kingdom visas revoked by the British Embassy amid allegations they tried to smuggle in a fan as part of their entourage. The Orchestra Dendera Kings and Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation band were scheduled to hold shows in London, Leicester and Milton Keynes this weekend.

However, the artistes were informed of the cancellation late yesterday after they were urgently summoned to the embassy.

Orchestra Dendera Kings publicity manager Joe Nyamungoma confirmed they had their visas cancelled, but denied it had anything to do with the inclusion of a fan.

“We had our visas cancelled this morning after being told that our UK promoter, Culture Promotions had his licence cancelled, and we could not proceed to the UK.

“We were scheduled to leave on Wednesday night, but an official from the embassy told us not to board the plane and instead asked us to report at the British Embassy with our passports. When we got there, they gave us a letter, explaining the circumstances that led to their decision to cancel our visas, and nothing about the inclusion of a fan was mentioned in the letter,” he said.

“As Orchestra Dendera Kings, we didn’t apply a visa for anyone who was not part of the group, and I would not want to speak on behalf of the other group, because I don’t know how many members they have,” he said.

Efforts to contact Jah Prayzah were fruitless as he had gone to attend his brother’s funeral at his rural home in Murehwa.
Oliver Mtukudzi was also expected to perform at the same gig, but later cancelled a few weeks ago, citing business commitments.

Y2K promotions, a UK-based music promotion company which had organised “The Greatest Hits Tour” said the tour was postponed to March next year.

“Following UK border agency’s suspension of the sponsorship company that we always use for work permits applications, it is with regret that the suspension has resulted in revocation of all granted visas.

“We have therefore run out of time to rescue anything.
“It has been very difficult times for all concerned starting with Oliver Mtukudzi’s earlier withdrawal and now with Jah Prayzah’s brother who sadly passed away yesterday ,” a spokesperson said.