Mos Def Sets Retirement Shows

Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def, is saying goodbye to the music biz with shows in two East Coast cities.

News of the farewell shows comes on the heels of Bey resolving his passport difficulties.  The artist left South Africa this week after striking a deal with that country’s authorities, who had accused him of violating local immigration laws.  

Photo: Schalk van Zuydam/AP. file
The artist formerly known as Mos Def is seen here leaving the Bellville Magistrates’ Court in Bellville, South Africa.

Bey was arrested for using a “world passport.”  However, several countries, including South Africa, do not recognize the document as a valid passport.  He has since applied for a U.S. passport, according to South African officials, according to Associated Press.

Now Bey is planning his exit from the music business.  But before he bows out completely, he’ll play New York’s Apollo Theater Dec. 21 and Washington’s Kennedy Center Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

An online ticket presale for “A-List” members of the Apollo Theater begins Nov. 29 at 12 p.m., and general onsales launch Dec. 2 at 12 p.m.

Kennedy Center members can buy tickets now.  The general onsale begins Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. All times EDT.  Click here and here for more information.