Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Allowed to Leave South Africa, Barred From Re-Entry

For most of 2016, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) has been out on bail in South Africa, where he was charged in January with using a false passport and travel document while attempting to leave the country. Now, the much-delayed case has concluded: After he “unreservedly apologized to the government of South Africa,” Bey will be allowed to leave, the country’s home affairs department said (via the Guardian). “The department is satisfied with the apology [and] will withdraw the charges against him,” the department added. Bey will be declared an undesirable person and barred from re-entry into South Africa. 

Bey’s troubles began when he tried to leave South Africa using a “world passport,” issued by the pro-freedom of movement World Service Authority, which few countries recognize as a legal travel document. In January, he shared a message on Kanye West’s website saying that he was being forced to leave the country. During that message, he said he is retiring from the music and film industry “effective immediately.” On March 8, prosecutors asked for a postponement of his case to finish their investigation. The rescheduled March 24 hearing led to another postponement. Bey later shared an audio message from Cape Town apologizing to his fans for tour cancellations. He’s been out on bail of 5,000 rands (about $355). This year, he has also released a number of songs with Ferrari Sheppard as Dec. 99th.

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