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Saint Levant postpones North American tour over visa issues

Palestinian singer Saint Levant performs during the 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival at the Roman Theatre in Carthage in Tunis on Aug. 5, 2025. (AFP Photo)
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Palestinian singer Saint Levant performs during the 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival at the Roman Theatre in Carthage in Tunis on Aug. 5, 2025. (AFP Photo)
September 02, 2026 03:05 PM GMT+03:00

Palestinian singer and songwriter Saint Levant announced Tuesday that he has postponed his North American tour until spring 2027 due to ongoing issues with his U.S. visa.

"I am unfortunately announcing the postponement of my North American tour," Saint Levant said in a statement on social media.

Photo shows Palestinian artist Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, during his concert in Istanbul, Ukraine on Dec. 12, 2025. (AA Photo)
Photo shows Palestinian artist Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, during his concert in Istanbul, Ukraine on Dec. 12, 2025. (AA Photo)

Extended background checks cited

The artist, whose real name is Marwan Abdelhamid, said he has faced "major U.S. visa issues" for several years. He said that although his visa application was initially approved, he was "unexpectedly asked to undergo additional background checks, which could take a number of months."

"After discussions with my legal team, and speaking with some of my Palestinian and Arab peers who have gone through similar experiences," he said, he and his team made the "difficult decision" to postpone the North American concerts until spring 2027 in the hope that the visa process would be completed by then.

Photo shows Palestinian artist Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, during his concert in Istanbul, Ukraine on Dec. 12, 2025. (AA Photo)
Photo shows Palestinian artist Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, during his concert in Istanbul, Ukraine on Dec. 12, 2025. (AA Photo)

From Gaza to global stages

Born in Jerusalem, Saint Levant grew up in the Gaza Strip before moving with his family to Amman, Jordan, at age 7.

He has gained international attention for music that blends Arabic, English, and French with hip-hop, R&B, and electronic influences, while drawing on themes of Palestinian identity, heritage, and displacement.

Saint LevaSaint Levant is scheduled to perform at Istanbul's Volkswagen Arena on Dec. 10 as part of his international "Afandi World Tour."

September 02, 2026 03:05 PM GMT+03:00
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