NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Zimbabwean musician and political activist Thomas Mapfumo was forced to miss an appearance at this year's WOMAD festival in due to fears that he would not be allowed to re-enter the United States.
Mapfumo, who has applied for political asylum in the US is currently awaiting a resolution for his request and his status is currently uncertain. He had initially entered the country on a 'P' visa which are reserved for athletes and entertainers. Mapfumo could not obtain an entry visa into the UK until his status is resolved.
Mapfumo pioneered a fusion of traditional Shona folk music with songs of protest and in a style he dubbed chimurenga, which means struggle in his native tongue. – CelebrityAccess staff writers.
