Grammy-winning lyricist 21 Savage is set to perform his first-ever headlining performance outside of America. Following years of immigration challenges that led to his detention by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in 2019, 21 Savage has now obtained legal U.S. citizenship. He has excitingly revealed his inaugural solo performance in his country of birth, the United Kingdom. 21, who’s real name Shéyaa Bin-Abraham Joseph, will play to a 20,000 capacity filled crowd. He took to Instagram to share the breaking news, and also announced opening acts Baby Drill and 21 Harold will join him.
Savage has since shared a tear-jerking video on social media that encapsulates his meteoric rise as a burgeoning teenager to a bonafide rap star with Skylar Gray’s sappy “Coming Home” anthem paired with the emotional video leaving fans puppy-eyed.
21 Savage Immigration issues
Born in Plaistow, London, England, the 30 year-old multi-platinum artist and businessman has had weary legal issues over his expired visa status in the U.S. Having moved to Atlanta at age seven with his mother, and resided there since childhood. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested the talismanic artist on February 3rd of 2019 after the officials revealed that the rapper who officially moved to the U.S. in 2005, unlawfully overstayed a H-4 visa that expired in 2006.
Having been in police custody until February 13 after his bond was paid pending a deportation hearing, Savage has been subject to deportation from the U.S. even though his lawyers claimed he had been in the country legally.
Recently, he announced he has acquired lawful permanent residency in the country through a green card. Drizzy broke the news on his latest LP ‘For All The Dogs’ on the record “8AM in Charlotte” stating “Savage got a green card straight out of the consulate, where I go, you go brother, we Yugoslavian,” he rapped wittily hinting an end to Savage’s perpetual immigration troubles.
Savage performs outside U.S. for the first time
In his first outing, the “Issa” rapper was welcomed to the stage in Scotiabank Arena, Toronto by frequent collaborator Drake who presented him to an elated crowd for the curtain-closing show of the North American leg of the It’s All A Blur Tour.
“To who it may concern, Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known officially as 21 Savage, is now cleared to travel up north and perform for his beloved fans,” a man announced onstage during Drake’s show on Saturday. “He has chosen Toronto as his first destination. Ladies and gentleman…,” the man continued before getting interrupted by Drizzy.
“No, no. Let me do it,” Drake said. “Ladies and gentlemen, performing for the first time outside of America in his life. Make some noise for the brother, 21!”
Moreover, marching out in a Canadian flag with the country’s national anthem “O, Canada” ringing out, a speechless 21 walked to the center stage. He then erupted into his tour set. Of course, he performed hits from his joint album with 6 God Drizzy, ‘Her Loss’, to cult classics from his breakthrough LP ‘Savage Mode’ including “Red Opps” and more.
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