UK denies visa for 'Born Starz' winner Nero-X

The UK High Commission has denied winner of Born Starz, Joseph Nkrumah Buabeng a.k.a Nero-X, visa to the country.

Nero-X emerged winner of the Viasat1’s maiden talent show in January, and was to be on a 7-days trip to the UK, fully catered for by Viasat1 as part of his award package.


Citing the reasons for his refusal, the UK High Commission stated that although Nero-X had won the talent show and the trip was going to be paid for by Viasat 1 Broadcasting G Limited, “it is the intentions of the applicant that are paramount in considering any application.” It further stated that they are not sure Nero-X is seeking a genuine visit or intends to leave the UK at the end of his visit.


CEO of Viasat1, Charlotte Gustavsson, is not happy about the outcome. She said Viasat1 had made all arrangements ahead of the Born Starz winner’s trip to the UK, and was only waiting for the visa.


She denied the idea that Nero-X would have absconded if granted the visa. She said “There was no way Nero-X was going to overstay his welcome in the UK, he has a busy schedule in Ghana to get back to. Born Starz is grooming his career here, together with Hiplife artiste Okyeame Kwame”


The CEO, however, said all hope is not lost, as Viasat1 still intends to go all out to present to Nero-X what he deserves.

In a swift reaction, Viasat1 has arranged with UK top soul star J. Appiah and his management team in the UK to come to Ghana instead. “If Nero-X was denied visa to the UK, we are bringing UK to Ghana,” Charlotte says.


She added that the team arriving from the UK will also include French international and Chelsea footballer Florent Malouda as well. The team is expected to arrive in Accra on Monday, 25th March 2013.


Nero-X was billed to perform at the Ghana Independent party at the o2 Arena while in the UK. Following his visa denial, Viasat1 has made sure Nero-X will perform with Okyeame Kwame during Ghana Music Week, and secured a VVIP ticket for him at the Chris Brown concert tonight.


CEO continues “Born Starz is a program that is here to stay and we will do whatever we can to make sure the winners get a fantastic year ahead. A denied visa will never stop us from sticking to our commitments”