Yasiin Bey, also known by former stage name Mos Def, was detained last week in South Africa for using an unrecognized World Passport. Bey announced that his retirement from the music and film industries is “effective immediately,” following the release of his final album later this year.
The Italian Job actor announced his retirement via freestyle on his frequent collaborator, Kanye West’s website. Bey sent his freestyle to Mr. West on what sounded like a phone call. The freestyle protested his treatment in South Africa, stating: “No more parties in SA.” This refers to Mr. West’s newest record No More parties in LA; Bey also referred to Kanye as a “real friend,” yet another reference promoting Kanye’s newest work. However, it is also a protest against his detainment.
Bey protests the detainment as he raps: “Why these police up in my face? Why they raiding my place? Why I don’t feel safe? This is not an expression of fear. This is just to make things clear. My intentions are pure in coming here. And that’s for everything I love or hold dear. Homies in the building. So is my wife and my children. I committed no crime. Why is the state wasting my time?”
Home Affairs Director General Mkuseli Apleni told a press briefing that rapper, actor, and activist has been charged with using a false identity, using an unrecognized travel document (World Passport), and helping his family stay in the country illegally.
Bey is out on bail and is due in court on March 8, 2016, Alpeni said, and his family must leave the country by January 29.
Bey moved to South Africa in 2013 and overextended his visitor’s permit. He was then stopped as he was trying to leave the country using his World Passport.
“People in the state have taken punitive action against me, unnecessarily,” Bey said, suggesting ‘political motivations.’ He continued by adding, “I don’t live in America and I have a right to domicile wherever I please. Without fear, or without interference.”
Bey’s issues with the law stem from his and his family’s expired visa, and attempting to use the World Passport, though he and his representative have said that others have left South Africa using such documents.
An American man named Gary Davis created the World Passport. In 1954, Davis started the World Service Authority (WSA) to promote the idea of the “World Citizen.” The documentation was intended to help stateless people and refugees. Davis renounced his American citizenship in 1948, and travelled with his World Passport. He was arrested many times for doing so.
Bey was issued a World Passport a month ago by the WSA’s current head, David Gallup. Gallup told the Burlington Press—a paper in Gary Davis’s hometown—that: “Like Gary, Yasiin Bey sees himself as a citizen of the world,” Gallip said. “His website is A Country Called Earth. [A sentiment rapped by Bey on A$AP Rocky’s newest album]. But the airport officials made a big mistake. South Africa has recognized World Passports many times previously. I’ve been in touch with his New York lawyer. The situation is still fluid.”
The WSA has claimed that six countries—Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Mauritania, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia—all recognize World Passports and that 150 countries recognize World Passports on a case-to-case basis. Julian Assange and Edward Snowden are among current holders.