New York City rapper M1 reports that Canadian border authorities refused him entry on a visit to Montreal to appear at the opening of FRO Fest, a festival now in its third year held in conjunction with Black History Month.
Just past midnight today I was denied entry into Canada. Something must be done about their inconsistent policies #FROfestival
— Mutulu Olugbala (@M1deadprez) January 31, 2015
The rapper posted the news early Saturday morning on a YouTube video, noting that he had no such problems entering the country on previous occasions.
Mutula Olugbala, as he is officially known, is part of the Dead Prez hip hop duo, which routinely takes strong stands on a variety of political issues.
In spite of his inability to attend, M1 appeared at the show - held at the downtown provincial library on Berri - via Skype and took part in a "very inspiriting chat," according to one person who described the event on Facebook.
The Canadian Border Security Agency address the case but told CTV Montreal in a statment Sunday that, "Several factors are used in determining admissibility into Canada, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations, in organized crime, security, health or financial reasons. The assessment of travellers is solely based on the legislation. Every year we welcome millions of travellers from every race and religion and from all parts of the world."
M1 was permitted into Canada on previous visits, as his Dead Prez duo performed at the Foufounes Electriques nightclub in Montreal in 2011 and M1 made a solo appearance in Montreal in 2008.
Darcy MacDonald, who covers hip-hop for Montreal-based Cult MTL magazine, told CTV Montreal that M1 is known as a, "community organzier and rap activist. Dead Prez is one of the more recognized political bands in rap," he said.
"He is of the school of hip hop that perpetuates social change through community and expression," said MacDonald. "M1 was coming here to discuss black issues in a time when voices like his are so important that it makes one wonder why he was suddenly turned away on this particular trip to Canada - a speaking engagement first and foremost."
The FRO Fest was initially known as Frobruary and addressed such subjects as standards of beauty. It has grown since, as notables including former Governor General Michaelle Jean have lent support.
