"The version we got from Immigration Canada was vague because of their confidentiality and privacy laws," said Jhind of Dream Time Records LA, who was accompanying The Punjabi Rapper
"Bohemia and his entourage arrived Friday at 10 a.m. from Oakland. Every member of his entourage was allowed in except him. All the paperwork was fine.
"Bohemia felt he was waiting too long. You could tell he was getting aggravated," Jhind said
"He was asked a few questions by the immigration officer and was detained and put under watch. Then he was escorted out at 7:00 p.m. the same night."
Through an unconfirmed source, The Punjabi Rapper might have been denied entry into Canada because a criminal charge was laid against him two years ago in the United States.
An official at Immigration Canada said he could not discuss the specifics of individual cases, but confirmed the rapper was denied entry into the country.
"Normally, someone coming here as an entertainer is referred to us," said Jean Edmonds, manager of Immigration Canada for Vancouver. "I can't comment on whether he has (a criminal record) or not, but individuals with a criminal record would have problems entering unless they had prior consent."
Officials would not comment on whether the rapper was detained at the Vancouver airport, but they confirmed, "individuals who are denied entry are sometimes held until the next available flight."
At the Croatian Cultural Center in Vancouver where the much anticipated debut appearance was to take place, an announcement was made for the crowd, followed by tracks from Bohemia's latest album blasting through the loud speakers. The Punjabi rapper's follow up Sunday performance in Edmonton was also cancelled.
Jhind said Bohemia was arrested two years before he tried to enter Canada, but was not sure what he has been charged with.
"It appeared as it the Canadian Officials had his whole Rap Sheet -- it had all his charges listed on it -- I guess they were holding him on that and questioning him on that.
They kept him in the immigration interview for a few hours."
The 26-year old Bohemia is widely recognized as the pioneer of 'Desi-Hip-Hip'. His latest album 'Pesa Nasha Pyar' [Money, Drugs, Love] under the Music Mogul Universal Records India and Ishq Records UK was released in April 2006 and remain in the Top Ten for 7 weeks in India.
Many recent performers brought to the city from the U.S. by local promoters have faced hassles at the Vancouver International Airport, including Eminem and DJ Clue.
"Bohemia's management is in contact with the Canadian promoters in efforts to organize a makeup date," Jhind said. "However, I firmly believe there is a red flag on Bohemia's name. He may not get into Canada even with a minister's pardon due to heighten security by Immigration Canada and given his [Bohemia] record.
Many eager fans paid the VIP $65 looking forward to meet the king of Punjabi Rap in-person.
© Desi Press 2007
