Sheku Kanneh-Mason Receives UK Passport After Initial Cancellation

After many complications, the British cellist received an additional passport to allow him to perform abroad

Appealing to social media, the 22-year-old posted on his Facebook page: "Applied for an additional British Passport with the approval of Home office to assist with applications for visas and international work permits in this post #Brexit #Covid world along with my sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason," he explained.

"Appointments 15 mins apart, identical paperwork submitted. She receives the original passport and a second one within a week. Mine comes back cancelled 10th June (expiry 2029). Since then, despite constant calls, I have NO explanation, NO forthcoming assistance and NO way of playing the engagements I am contracted to play. Ideas appreciated asap please."

He ended the post by linking it to the Facebook pages of UK home secretary Priti Patel, culture secretary Oliver Dowden, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The post gained traction, with a Home Office spokesperson stating: "We are in contact with Mr Kanneh-Mason to resolve this situation and apologise for any inconvenience caused. A replacement passport will be issued as soon as possible."

About 20 hours after his initial post, Mason posts again with a picture of his new passport. "Thank you for all your help and support," he writes.

This comes after many British musicians expressed concerns over the effects of the "Brexit" trade deal. In a recent survey conducted by the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), 94% of respondent businesses stated that the EU-UK Trade Corporation Agreement (TCA) has a negative impact.

These increased dues and paperwork have raised concern for many UK musicians, especially grass-root organizations who may not be able to afford additional costs. UK artists fear that European promoters won't hire them due to the new regulations.