Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, was officially released from South Africa yesterday. Bey had been detained since January of 2016 after attempting to leave the country using a “World Passport,” which is not acknowledged by the South African government (as well as most others). Following a lengthy back and forth, the Brooklyn native finally issued an apology and was allowed to leave the country, without the possibility of ever returning.
As such, Yasiin Bey will be coming home to the United States. Earlier this year, Bey announced his retirement from music, much to the chagrin of his fans. However, before calling it quits for good, Bey will be hosting a series of performances that will be his last. One show will take place at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY and the others will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Hopefully this is all a publicity sham, but it’s unlikely. The dates for Bey’s final performances can be found below.
December 21 – Harlem, New York – Apollo Theater
December 31 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center
January 1 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center
January 2 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center
