Comedian I Go Dye, along with his team including Acapella, Akpororo, Oritsefemi, and Prince George, had a meeting with Mayor Scott Gillingham and Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers in Winnipeg.
The purpose of their meeting was to discuss the stringent visa policy for African entertainers attending genuine events in Canada. I Go Dye, who is currently on his “I Go Dye Standing Tall” tour in Canada, expressed his concern about the cumbersome visa application process.
He emphasized that this could hinder promoters from hosting lucrative events, resulting in revenue loss for the government. I Go Dye stressed that the entertainment industry is a significant economic driver and could contribute to foreign exchange earnings for the country.
He also pointed out that denying visas to top Nigerian entertainers can damage the reputation of show promoters who advertise their appearances.
I Go Dye recommended a more flexible visa policy to benefit Canada, its African partners, and local promoters through cultural exchange. He urged Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers to address these issues to foster the growth of the entertainment industry, especially in the realm of live shows and concerts.
Additionally, he suggested that, if necessary, special legislation should be considered to support small and medium-sized businesses in the entertainment sector, emphasizing that not all African travelers have ulterior motives.
The organizer of the “I Go Dye Standing Tall” event, Prince George Entertainment, conveyed to Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers that the strict visa policy has had adverse effects on their businesses over the years. Prince George highlighted that previous denials of artist visas led to substantial financial losses, amounting to millions of dollars for show promoters.
He mentioned that this policy has caused disorder in the industry, tarnishing the reputations of many promoters who couldn’t deliver advertised artists as promised. He called upon relevant authorities to facilitate business operations by allowing African entertainers easier access into the country, provided their documentation and travel purposes are legitimate.
Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers assured I Go Dye and his team that their concerns would be thoroughly examined by their office.
He pledged that the government would make earnest efforts to address the comedian’s reservations in the near future, as the suggestions are well-founded.
He emphasized their commitment to serving and safeguarding the interests of their citizens. He also extended his best wishes for the success of the “I Go Dye Standing Tall” tour, which he later attended.
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