Zika virus-carrying Beenie Man barred from Canada

Following the rumoured cancellation last month of Lolla Colombia over Zika fears, the 'King of Dancehall' was denied a visa for Drake's OVO Fest

By IQ on 01 Aug 2016

A Zika-stricken Beenie Man in hospital

Beenie Man was forced to cancel his planned appearance at OVO Fest in Toronto on Saturday after contracting the Zika virus.

The Jamaican dancehall musician – booked for a Caribbean Day at the festival, which is promoted by Drake’s OVO Sound record label – wrote on Instagram: “No visa fi mi Canada show […] Zika Virus hol’ mi. The same Zika mosquito gi mi dengue.” (“No visa for my Canada show. The Zika virus hold[s] me. The same Zika mosquito [also] gave me dengue [fever].”)

Last month IQ spoke to South American promoters to find out if fears of the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects in babies born to infected mothers, are hurting touring, following the cancellation of the Lollapalooza Colombia festival after Rihanna – rumoured to be worried about contracting the disease – reportedly pulled out.

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