If there’s anything that 2019 has taught us so far, it’s to expect the unexpected – and some recent surprising news comes via 21 Savage, who has been detained by US agents for overstaying his visitor’s visa from the UK, and now stands at risk of getting deported.
The 26-year-old rapper was arrested in a ‘targeted operation’ in Atlanta on Sunday (3rd February). An Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) spokesman said 21 Savage is being held for removal proceedings, after claims he is from the UK, and not the US, as previously presumed.
Born as Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, 21 Savage legally entered the USA at the age of 12, in July 2005 but has overstayed his visa, which expired in July 2006.
Bryan Cox, ICE Southern Regional spokesman, confirmed the arrest to the Local Atlanta Station WSB TV. ‘Mr Abraham-Joseph was taken into ICE custody as he is unlawfully present in the US and also a convicted felon,’ said Cox.
His lawyer Dina LaPolt said they are ‘working diligently to get Mr Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with authorities to clear up any misunderstanding.’ She added: ‘Mr Abraham-Joseph is a role Model to the young people in the country, especially in Atlanta, and is actively working in the community leading programs to help underprivileged youth in financial literacy,’ said lawyer Dina LaPolt.
The rapper has previously stated he is from Georgia, and in an interview with Fader, he described he had a rough childhood, and brought up surrounded by drugs and guns in the streets of Atlanta. He was convicted of drug charges in October 2014.
21 Savage’s lyrics touch on everything from drugs and violence to racism and police brutality. He is nominated for two awards at the 2019 Grammys; one of the nominations is for, Record of the Year for ‘Rockstar’ with fellow rapper Post Malone. The track reached number 1 in the US and UK singles Chart.
His newly-released album, I AM-I WAS, debuted at the top on the US Billboard 200 in December 2018, for two consecutive weeks.
Words by Maysaa Jankara
