Nigerian gospel artist Moses Bliss has disclosed that visa issues prevented him from entering Tanzania, causing him to miss a major worship concert that reportedly drew over 60,000 attendees.
In a video and accompanying statement posted on Instagram on Saturday, Bliss explained that after performing in Kenya, his team was meant to travel from Nairobi to Tanzania on October 2 for the free worship concert.
However, upon arriving at the airport, they learned that their visas had not been approved, despite prior assurances from the event organisers.
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“Hello my family in Tanzania. I’m here in Tanzania right now, I’m not just allowed to come,” the “Too Faithful” crooner said in a heartfelt message.
“It’s very unfortunate that I couldn’t make it to worship with us today. I heard there were about 60,000 of you who came out. I’m sorry, I did my best.”
He stated that his team promptly contacted several authorities in an attempt to resolve the situation.
“We made every contact possible from everywhere around Africa. We even got presidential intervention, talking to different people in government and ambassadors, but we couldn’t get visas,” Bliss recounted.
He said they were instructed to proceed with their flight and secure visas upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, but upon landing at midnight, immigration officials refused them entry.
“They told us we would get a visa on arrival, and we landed. We’ve been here now for about six hours. No way to go in, the immigration won’t let us in. Apparently, no visa on arrival again for us,” he said.
The singer expressed deep disappointment over the incident, saying it was heartbreaking after all the time, effort, and resources he and his team had invested in the concert.
“It’s very painful because we’ve been praying and looking forward to this event for so long. We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to make this event absolutely free for you to just come and worship the Lord Jesus with us,” he lamented.
Bliss extended an apology to his fans in Tanzania, appreciating their unwavering love and assuring them that he would make it up to them soon.
“I did everything within my power to be with you guys tonight to worship Jesus with you. They didn’t let us in,” he said.
“We’re here now in Tanzania, just waiting for the next flight to take us back to Kenya, Nairobi. Hopefully, we’re able to do this next time. Thank you for your support, thank you for believing. It’s fine, it is well.”
Despite the setback, the gospel artiste thanked his fans for their massive turnout, saying he was truly humbled and inspired by their faith and support.
“Tanzania, please hear me, you were not at fault. You came out in numbers, ready for God, and that moves me deeply. I owe you not just an apology, but a promise, by God’s grace, I will return,” he assured.
