Visa Woes: Moses Bliss Misses Tanzania Concert, Promises to Return
Popular Nigerian gospel singer Moses Bliss has expressed deep regret after being unable to perform at a major worship concert in Tanzania, where over 60,000 worshippers gathered in anticipation of his appearance.
The concert, which was scheduled to take place on October 2, came just after Bliss’s successful ministration in Kenya. His team was expected to fly from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam for the free worship experience.
However, upon arrival at the airport, the gospel star and his crew discovered that their visas had not been approved — a surprising setback given prior assurances from the event organizers.
Despite frantic efforts involving multiple authorities, ambassadors, and even what Bliss described as “presidential intervention,” the issue remained unresolved. Hoping for a last-minute breakthrough, the team proceeded to Tanzania on the assumption that visa-on-arrival access was still permitted. Unfortunately, they were denied entry by immigration officials after landing at midnight.
In a heartfelt message shared via social media, Bliss addressed his Tanzanian supporters, describing the experience as “painful” and “disappointing.”
“Hello my family in Tanzania. I’m here right now, but I’m not allowed to come in. It’s very unfortunate that I couldn’t make it to worship with you today. I heard there were about 60,000 of you who came out. I’m sorry, I did my best,” he said.
He further explained that the team had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to make the event free for attendees, emphasising that the disappointment was beyond their control.
“We made every contact possible, from across Africa. They told us we would get a visa on arrival. We landed and have been here for six hours, but immigration won’t let us in. It’s very painful because we’ve been praying and looking forward to this event for so long,” he added.
Bliss concluded by thanking the Tanzanian audience for their patience and faith, promising to return for another concert in the future.
Opinion: A Missed Concert, But a Deeper Lesson in Grace and Global Readiness
Moses Bliss’s ordeal is more than just a case of visa bureaucracy gone wrong — it’s a story that highlights how even good intentions can be hindered by system inefficiencies that still plague many parts of Africa.
In an era where the Afro-gospel movement continues to gain global momentum, such administrative setbacks reveal a bigger issue: Africa’s internal disconnection. Here was an African artist, traveling within the continent to inspire fellow Africans through faith and music — yet red tape became the barrier.
Beyond the frustration, however, Bliss’s reaction stands out. His calm, compassionate tone and refusal to assign blame demonstrate spiritual maturity and leadership. Instead of venting or withdrawing, he reaffirmed his commitment to return — a reminder that faith, even when tested by disappointment, remains steadfast.
His experience should also serve as a wake-up call for African event organizers and immigration systems to streamline artist travel and inter-country collaborations. Worship, after all, knows no borders — and neither should those who carry it.
In the end, Moses Bliss may have missed a concert, but he left behind something even greater — a testimony of patience, humility, and purpose that resonates beyond the stage.
