Renowned reggae and dancehall heavyweight King Lagazee is calling out what he describes as a growing injustice against Ghanaian creatives after a recent visa denial by the Dutch embassy in Ghana forced him to cancel a major performance in Austria.
The eight-time Reggae/Dancehall DJ of the Year made the revelation during a powerful black carpet interview at the 2025 Guinness Ghana DJ Awards launch, where he reflected on both his professional journey and the unseen battles faced by African artists striving for global visibility.
“We Don’t Want to Stay—We Just Want to Perform”
Lagazee, who has proudly carried Ghana’s flag to international stages from Jamaica to the UK, expressed deep frustration over missing the Austria gig, citing the embassy’s refusal based on a perceived “lack of surety of return.”
In a heartfelt public message directed at the embassy, he declared:
“Some of us, we don’t step into your country to come and stay. We just want to work and come back. We love Ghana, we love our country. I have a wife and children. There’s no way I’d leave Ghana to go and stay abroad.”
The statement underscores a growing concern among Ghanaian creatives that despite professional credibility, home ties, and international invitations, artists are routinely denied the opportunity to showcase their talents on global stages due to rigid and often biased visa protocols.
Known not only for his radio dominance and award-winning sound clashes but also as a staunch advocate for reggae and dancehall culture, King Lagazee used the platform to highlight the emotional and financial toll these obstacles have on artists.
“It’s not just about me. This happens to many talented DJs, musicians, and producers. We invest in ourselves, we promote Ghana, and yet we’re treated like flight risks,” he added.
His remarks have since resonated across social media, with fans and fellow entertainers calling for urgent reforms in how embassies evaluate visa applications from verified professionals in the creative industry.
King Lagazee, whose legacy includes representing Ghana in international sound clash competitions and pioneering the reggae/dancehall movement locally, also spoke about the countless sacrifices made over the years to keep the genre alive.
“We’ve fought through sleepless nights, rejection, and limited support, just to keep reggae and dancehall thriving in Ghana. And we’ve succeeded. But we need backing, recognition, and fair treatment on the global stage.”
With this year’s Guinness Ghana DJ Awards set to celebrate sound clash culture, Lagazee confidently asserted that no other DJ in Ghana or Africa comes close to his achievements.
“There’s no contender. What I’ve built speaks for itself,” he stated boldly.
King Lagazee’s ordeal is now sparking a wider debate one that goes beyond individual disappointment. His story reflects a pattern where African artists are systematically blocked from international opportunities, despite contributing significantly to the global music ecosystem.
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