Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Moses Bliss, has formally disclosed that he was denied lawful entry into the United Republic of Tanzania on October 2, 2025, owing to unresolved visa irregularities. The development prevented him from performing at a highly anticipated worship concert in Dar es Salaam, which reportedly drew an audience in excess of 60,000 persons.
In a recorded statement and accompanying press release issued via his verified Instagram account on Saturday, Bliss explained that, following a successful engagement in Kenya, he and his team were scheduled to travel from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam for the free worship event. According to the artist, assurances had earlier been given by the organising body that requisite travel documentation had been secured.
However, upon arrival at the airport, it became evident that the visas had not been duly approved. Bliss recounted that despite contacting diplomatic and governmental officials, including what he described as “presidential intervention,” the situation remained unresolved.
He further disclosed that, upon advice, his team proceeded to board their flight under the impression that visas could be obtained on arrival. Nonetheless, immigration authorities at Julius Nyerere International Airport allegedly denied them entry at midnight, stating that visa-on-arrival was no longer available in the circumstances.
The gospel minister described the incident as “painful and disappointing,” citing the extensive financial and logistical investment made to ensure that the event was free and accessible to worshippers. “We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to make this event absolutely free,” Bliss lamented, while offering apologies to his Tanzanian supporters.
He expressed appreciation for the overwhelming turnout, noting that the disappointment was not attributable to the audience. “Tanzania, please hear me, you were not at fault. You came out in numbers, ready for God, and that moves me deeply,” he said, adding that he owes his supporters both an apology and a promise to return by God’s grace.
Meanwhile, Bliss confirmed that he and his team were awaiting onward passage back to Nairobi, Kenya, pending resolution of the matter.
The episode underscores persistent challenges confronting African performing artists with respect to visa regimes and cross-border mobility, often resulting in contractual and reputational implications when events cannot proceed as scheduled.#newsafro_
