US based, internationally acclaimed reggae artist, Shaggy has called on the US Embassy in Jamaica, the US Ambassador to the country and the country’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, to do what is necessary to aid in ensuring that both Bounty Killa and Beenie Man are able to acquire US Visas. His call comes on the heels of their VERZUZ virtual clash on Saturday where close to 500,000 persons logged on to view the veterans battle musically.

Beenie Man and Bounty Killa both had their US VISAS revoked in 2010. At that time, Mavado and Aidonia were also among the dancehall artistes who’s US Visas were taken away by the US Embassy. In 2011, Mavado was once again able to travel to the US and then, five years later, Aidonia was allowed re-entry. To date, both Beenie Man and Bounty Killa remain without US travel access.

In his social media post, both meant to celebrate Jamaica’s cultural performance by these two veteran artistes, and dispute the state of their travel affairs, Grammy award winner, Shaggy said, “Fans world wide were greeted with a cultural experience of epic proportions as best as it could be delivered in these covid times. This was a boost to our spirits, our tourism, our economy, our music, and most importantly brand jamaica 🇯🇲 .. BUT LETS NOT FORGET!!!…,.that both of these artist, these two legends, these two ambassadors of our country our music, and our culture, STILL CANNOT TRAVEL!! It’s about time we rally and push the powers at be to free up these artist allow them traveling visas, work permits so they can travel freely to promote our culture and represent our brand, I’m calling on the Jamaican government, the U.S. Ambassador and the United States Embassy @usembassyja to atleast start having dialogue where this is concerned, I’m calling on the Hon. Olivier Babsy Grange @hon.olivigrange and the prime minister the Hon. Andrew Holness @andrewholnessjm to get involve, the culture needs it, the music needs it, the economy needs it, the country needs it the fans need it. Salute DANCE HALL🇯🇲!!

The Marley name continues to be synonymous with positive moves. In the most recent news, Bob Marley’s daughter and grandson have collaborated with the Wailers- the legendary band that toured with the late Marley, between 1972 and 1981.

Cedella Marley, now 52 years old, along with Bob’s grandson, Skip Marley are featured on the new single, ‘One World, One Prayer.’ Jamaican reggae sensation, Shaggy also sings on the track which is described as “a powerful song focused on unity, love and inclusion beyond cultural differences.”

With a latin fusion, the reggae artistes collaborate with Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, Farruko ; and ironically, the song was produced by the husband of singer, Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, who is a 10 time Grammy award winner. “When I wrote the song about two years ago, I wrote it thinking about how we, as human beings, have to love each other more, be kinder to each other and to nature,” said Estefan. “Who would have thought that we would be living this current situation, and that the message of ‘One World, One Prayer’ would resonate so strongly?” he said.

Noting that the simple things in life must be appreciated, Estefan added, “especially the love that begins with our families and extends to our community and beyond, because in the end, we are all ‘One World, One Heart’.”

The Wailers are due to release a new album later this year.

LISTEN TO THE NEW SONG NEXT….