Syrian avant-garde musician, Omar Souleyman has spoken out following news that the Swedish government have refused entry to him and his band ahead of a series of Scandinavian live dates.

The artist had been originally scheduled to play last weekend’s Stockholm Music & Arts festival, as well as the upcoming Way Out West. Sadly, however, these have been pulled because the law currently states that Syrian citizens are not allowed into the country due to the political agenda of current right wing government, the Alliance coalition.

Souleyman is quoted as saying: “I could not believe the reason for which my visa was denied – that of Sweden being afraid that I will want to stay there and apply for a residence permit when I arrive,” continuing: “I am a musician who travels all over the world and to all western countries to sing for people and to make them dance. I have never ever had any wish or intention to remain in any country that has issued me a visa that enables me to perform for people there. It is clear to anyone who will take a look at my extensive touring history for the last five years in the western world where I have been and how many borders I have crossed. Hundreds and hundreds.”

The musician concluded his statement with: “I have a family in Syria and I have no intention of ever abandoning them.”

Way Out West is scheduled to run as planned between 8-10 August. Listen to Souleyman’s new track ‘Wenu Wenu’ below: