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US rapper Coolio denied entry to Singapore ahead of F1 performance

American rapper Coolio denied entry to Singapore. (Photo: Rolling Stone)
Coolio was denied entry to Singapore. (Photo: Rolling Stone)

American rapper Coolio was unable to perform at a Formula 1 after-party over the weekend because he was denied entry into Singapore.

The 54-year-old rapper, who is famous for his ’90s hit song “Gangsta’s Paradise”, was scheduled to perform at The Podium Lounge event on Saturday night (16 September). The event, which took place at the grand ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, was organised in conjunction with the Singapore Grand Prix.

In a Facebook post on Sunday (17 September), the organiser explained that while Coolio, whose real name is Leon Ivey Jr, had already arrived in Singapore via a connecting flight from Beijing on Sunday morning, he was “denied entry” into the country and had to be “sent back on the return flight”. His band members, however, were able to continue their stay in Singapore.

“Due to the unfortunate circumstances and disappointing turn of events, Coolio will not be performing this evening,” said the post. Organisers had initially postponed Coolio’s performance from Saturday to Sunday, as Coolio had missed his original connecting flight from Beijing that was scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

According to a report by The Straits Times, The Podium Lounge’s chief executive Robbie Hoyes-Cock said that no reason was given as to why Coolio had been refused entry.

Grammy-award winning singer Macy Gray was also scheduled for the event. The American singer-songwriter, who is popular for songs such as “I Try” and “Sweet Baby”, performed a live DJ set followed by a vocal performance at 1:30am on Monday (18 September).

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