Speech Debelle Cancels US Dates Due To Visa Law Changes

Speech Debelle had been plucked out of the obscure pool of indie artists when she beat out La Roux, Florence + The Machine, Glasvegas and more for the Mercury Prize.

Now known for her intellectually flowing rhymes, the rapper immediately became a prominent act to book in the UK and overseas. In fact, she was scheduled to play quite a few CMJ shows, including one as an “unannounced” performer for Brooklyn Vegan’s Day Party. After CMJ, she was going to trek across the nation for an LA show, too! However, Speech Debelle aka Corynne Elliot, was forced to cancel all those dates because of recent changes with visa laws.

According to Brooklyn Vegan, her agent was sorry to give the following statement:

“Speech Debelle is canceling all of her US appearances for October. Visa laws have just recently changed and delayed a few of our artists from getting their visas this Fall.” [First Aid Kit is another artist of theirs.]

It’s a shame to think scheduled performances have been taken away from concert and festival goers just because of a delay in the general system. Agents do all they can to make sure bookings, performances, and events with their artists take place and this is not a result of procrastination.

What’s most interesting about this visa-related story is that just the other day, the New York-based group, Brazilian Girls, also faced issues with immigration laws. According to Billboard, vocalist Sabina Sciubba, had some trouble getting back into the States after her hiatus. Sciubba had gone to stay in Paris to give birth to her son, making her a German staying in France. When her visa was unattainable, they Brazilian Girls were forced to cancel two US shows as well.

The funny part is that they were eventually allowed back into the States but only with help from New York Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand. She was able to “cut the red tape” and expedite the band’s visas because:

“Musicians from overseas who perform in New York add tremendous value to the City’s vibrant cultural and tourist economy. I am thrilled that these shows will go on and the U.S. tour can proceed on schedule.”

We commend Gillibrand for commending the arts, but talk about special treatment!

We’re also wondering why this couldn’t have happened for Speech Debelle. Is it because she’s not a US citizen or musician? After all, the rapper is also coming to CMJ to “add tremendous value,” too!

Dear Ms. Gillibrand, can you just take care of stuff like this every year for us? Thanks.