Omar Souleyman denied a visa for Sweden's Way Out West festival

Way Out West 2013

Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th August 2013
Slottsskogenk, Gothenburg, Sweden MAP
1895 SEK (approx £180) for a weekend ticket

Daily capacity: 25,000

Last updated: Mon 5th Aug 2013

Syrian Shaabi street musician Omar Souleyman will not be appearing at this weekend's Way Out West which takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden from Thursday 8th until Saturday 10th August 2013 after he was denied a visa to Sweden.

He was refused a visa on the grounds that Sweden does not admit Syrian citizens to the country at the moment. The reason behind this was that they believed the risk of him applying for a residence permit in Sweden was too high.

Way Out West organisers released a statement saying, "We think that Omar Souleyman has fell victim of stupidly strict interpretation of a general rule. It's obvious that Omar Souleyman is a professional touring artist who does not intend to flee to Sweden.

"It's outrageous that Sweden is the first country in Omar's career to refuse him a visa. Given the situation in Syria it feels even more important for artists to be able to express themselves freely. Mistakes and miscalculations can be made. But everyone can correct their mistakes, change their minds and do the right thing. Now, we give Swedish authorities the chance to do just that. Omar Souleyman has a slot waiting for him at Way Out West in Slottskogen next week. Omar has already said yes if he is admitted in to the country. We say - welcome Omar! And to the Swedish authorities we say; here is your second chance."

The singer, who is also confirmed to apear at Iceland Airways 2013, France's Pitchfork Music Festiva, and Los Angeles' FYF Festival stated, "I could not believe the reason for which my visa was denied - that of Sweden being afraid that I will want to stay there and apply for a residence permit when I arrive.

"I am a musician who travels all over the world and to all western countries to sing for people and to make them dance.I have never ever had any wish or intention to remain in any country that has issued me a visa that enables me to perform for people there. It is clear to anyone who will take a look at my extensive touring history for the last 5 years in the western world - where I have been and how many borders I have crossed. Hundreds and hundreds.

"I have a family in Syria and I have no intention of ever abandoning them. The Embassy had the information clearly of all my children, wife, brothers and sisters, parents, who all live in Syria. I support them and give my life for them. I have never had nor will he ever have any intention to defect into Sweden. I love my home as troubled as it is right now, more than anything. The decision of the Consulate is very wrong but I have accepted that; now I hope that my management will do everything together with promoters in Sweden to correct that."

The main festival takes place in the 137 hectare park of Slottsskogen in Gothenburg on the Friday and Saturday of the festival weekend. Other acts perform at various venues in and around central Gothenburg on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The line-up features Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Alabama Shakes, Of Monsters and Men, Alicia Keys, and Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, The Knife, HAIM, Local Natives, Disclosure, Tame Impala, Goat, Danny Brown, Angel Haze, Solange, James Blake, Iris DeMent, Mariam The Believer, Skaters, Bat For Lashes, Beach House, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Grimes, Jupiter & Okwess International, Deptford Goth, Junip, Pissed Jeans, Tom Odell, SOHN, Money, Cat Power, Phosphorescent, Mount Kimbie and Mikal Cronin.

Tickets are priced at 1895 SEK (approx £180) for a weekend ticket.

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