New Zealand Reggae Artist General Fiyah Detained and Deported from US

New Zealand-born reggae artist Lotima Nicholas Pome’e, known professionally as General Fiyah, was detained and subsequently deported from the United States. The musician had been set to perform at Polyfest, a prominent Pacific cultural festival taking place in Washington on March 16, 2024.

In a heartfelt social media post, General Fiyah informed his fans of the unfortunate situation. “I am really sorry to let you all know that I won’t be able to make the performance tonight,” he wrote. “I was detained and sent back to New Zealand, which means I can’t be there to share this moment with you.” He expressed his regret and promised to support the event from afar. Following his deportation, General Fiyah was seen in Sydney, further complicating the timeline of events.

The incident comes on the heels of a separate deportation case involving New Zealand resident Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son, Issac. The pair was detained at the Canadian border over three weeks ago when Shaw mistakenly attempted to leave and re-enter the United States without the necessary visa documentation. Fortunately, they have since returned safely to their home in Washington.

The circumstances surrounding General Fiyah’s detention remain unclear. RNZ has reached out for comments from both the artist and the organizers of Polyfest regarding the incident. As the festival aims to celebrate Pacific culture and heritage, many fans and attendees expressed disappointment over the unexpected turn of events.

While the details of General Fiyah’s visa issues have not been disclosed, this incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by international artists seeking to perform in the United States. The complexities of visa regulations can lead to significant disruptions not only for artists but also for their fans and the cultural events they participate in.

The music community in New Zealand and around the Pacific is rallying behind General Fiyah, with many expressing their support through social media channels. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact his future performances and engagements.

General Fiyah’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of proper documentation for international travel, particularly in the performing arts sector. As artists navigate these challenges, the support of their fans and fellow musicians remains crucial in overcoming obstacles that arise.