Luciano’s United States visa was cancelled by American law enforcement officers last weekend.
The artiste, who was scheduled to perform on the Philadelphia Jerk Festival at Fairmount Park on Sunday, took to social media to advise promoters and fans of the development.
“I regret to announce that whilst crossing the border from Canada into America by air on August 25th, 2016, I underwent an abnormal interrogation during which my personal hand luggage was searched. During the search, a mixture that I normally use as a herb medicine for my throat was found and after numerous tests it was claimed to be illegal because it contained cannabis extracts. The herbal liquid was a very small amount (less than one gramme), but as a result my visas were revoked and I was denied entry into the US.
“I sincerely regret the inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause as I am also deeply devastated. Please pray for me while I face yet another major obstacle in my life,” Luciano’s post read it part.
The singer said he would, however, appeal the cancellation. “Please note that this will not affect any bookings that I have in countries anywhere else in the world, apart from North America. So please keep the faith… Jah Bless,” he continued.
According to tour tracker Pollstar, Luciano had several gigs lined up in California, British Columbia, Washington, Arizona and Oregon from September 2 to 17.
‘Another major obstacle in my life’ may refer to the March 2009 incident in which Andrew Senior, a man the police said was wanted for several murders, engaged police in a shootout at Luciano’s Kingston home.
Senior was killed in the two-hour stand-off. Three officers were shot and injured.
Luciano was charged with harbouring a fugitive but was cleared in March 2011.
Another ‘obstacle’ may be the February 28 slaying of his 19-year-old son, Menelik McClymont. Three teens are currently before the court for the murder.
The singer (given name Jephter McClymont) is known for spiritual songs including Lord Give Me Strength, It’s Me Again Jah and Sweep Over My Soul.
The 51-year-old artiste was recently nominated for a Best Reggae Album at the Grammy Awards for his set Zion Awake