Nigerian gospel music star Moses Bliss has apologised to fans in Tanzania after his much-anticipated worship concert in Dar es Salaam was cancelled on Friday due to unresolved visa complications.
The free-entry concert, which was expected to draw more than 60,000 worshippers, was abruptly halted when Bliss and his team were denied entry into Tanzania despite repeated assurances that their travel documents had been approved.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the ‘Too Faithful’ singer expressed heartbreak over the incident, describing it as one of the most painful experiences of his career.
“I want you to hear the truth directly from me. My team and I were scheduled to fly from Nairobi to Tanzania on the 2nd of October after a successful programme in Kenya. Bags were packed, instruments ready, and our hearts burning with anticipation. But at the airport, to our deepest shock, we discovered that our visas had not been released despite weeks of assurance from the organising team,” Bliss wrote.
He revealed that his team had waited for two days in Kenya while mobilising contacts in Tanzania and across Africa, even seeking presidential intervention, but to no avail. After being told their visas would be issued on arrival, the group proceeded to Dar es Salaam only to be stopped at midnight by immigration authorities who denied them entry.
Bliss said the ordeal was especially painful because his team had invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure the concert was free for everyone.
“This was not just painful for me personally; it was heartbreaking for my entire team, who had invested their energy, prayers, and preparation into this divine assignment. Tanzania, please hear me, you were not at fault. You came out in numbers, ready for God, and that moves me deeply,” he said.
This is not the first time Moses Bliss has faced complications surrounding his international ministry. Earlier this year, the singer had to publicly deny involvement in a concert in Cotonou, Benin Republic, after his name and image were used in promotional materials for an event he never confirmed.
Industry observers also note that Bliss’s Tanzanian setback mirrors the broader struggles African artists face with visa delays and travel restrictions, which have disrupted performances for several high-profile musicians in recent years.
Despite the disappointment, Bliss has vowed to return to Tanzania for a rescheduled event.
“I owe you not just an apology, but a promise; by God’s grace, I will return. This setback will only pave the way for an even greater outpouring of His glory when we finally gather in Tanzania,” he promised.
The singer’s heartfelt message has drawn widespread sympathy from fans, many of whom praised his transparency and faith in the face of adversity.
Bliss, one of Africa’s most influential gospel voices, rose to prominence with the global hit ‘Too Faithful’. He has since consolidated his reputation with other chart-topping songs, including ‘Miracle No Dey Tire Jesus’ and ‘Bigger Everyday’.
For now, his Tanzanian followers will have to wait a little longer. But if the massive turnout on Friday is any indication, the hunger for worship and the anticipation of his return remain as strong as ever.
