Omar Souleyman granted entry to Sweden following previously denied visa

Omar Souleyman was finally allowed to enter and play in Sweden, following previous news that he had been refused entry to the country based on his nationality.

The Syrian avant-garde musician was scheduled to play the Stockholm Music & Arts Festival before being denied a visa because Sweden do not currently allow Syrian citizens into their country just in case they attempt to seek asylum.

Despite Souleyman being a proven touring musician, and reassuring authorities that he had no plan on relocation, this wasn’t deemed enough. However, as the news spread following a similar cancellation at Way Out West festival, it seems like those in charge had a slight change of mind, with the latter festival confirming that he did manage to make it to the event in the end.

Souleyman’s manager explained to The Guardian the entire affair:

“We apply for visas all the time and always have all the documents we need. This time, the application process was very difficult– the staff were very skeptical– and we were concerned from the outset. No other country has ever dealt with the situation like this. It was not promising.

They claimed that there was an extreme risk that Omar would seek a residents permit as soon as he arrives… I felt incredibly angry… This was a complete miscalculation. It’s very clear that this artist is someone that tours all the time and all over the world and he has absolutely no wish to defect to Sweden on this very short trip for a festival.”

Listen to Souleyman’s new track ‘Wenu Wenu’ below:

[via Pitchfork]