Notorious drill rap group OneFour were barred from performing at Tim Tszyu fight over violence fears

Notorious drill rap group OneFour were searched by police at Qudos Bank Arena and barred from performing a walkout song for Aussie boxing star Paulo Aokuso.

The incident occurred during undercard fights leading up to Tim Tszyu’s blockbuster showdown with Tony Harrison on Sunday afternoon.

Olympian Paulo Aokuso had asked OneFour to perform their new song Comma’s while he walked out to the ring to face Cuban Yunieski Gonzalez, but police got word of it and moved in. 

The drill rap artists – a genre defined by themes of violence, killing, and death – made headlines in 2019 after their national tour was shut down by police due to safety concerns.

Police believed rival gangs could turn up at Qudos Bank Arena and cause violence if they had been seen performing. 

Notorious drill rap group OneFour were searched by police at Qudos Bank Arena and barred from performing a walkout song for Aussie boxing star Paulo Aokuso in the fight just before Tim Tszyu’s world title win

Olympian Paulo Aokuso had asked OneFour (group member Spenny is circled with the boxer’s team on Sunday) to perform their new song Comma’s while he walked out to the ring

OneFour members were made to stand against a garage door and searched for weapons and narcotics by officers from the anti-gang Raptor squad, according to the Daily Telegraph. 

Members of the group still walked out with Aokuso for his bout, and watched the Mount Druitt light-heavyweight clinch an exciting victory.

OneFour released a statement afterwards and addressed the incident at the boxing event.

‘Today is not about us, it’s about Paulo, Tim and the other fighters here today,’ OneFour said.

‘But It’s disappointing to constantly be denied the opportunity to uplift our people.

‘We remain committed to overcoming the obstacles, no matter how many the authorities place in our path.

‘Situations like these make us even more determined to succeed.’

A NSW Police spokesperson said the safety of attendees at the event was paramount.

Members of the group still walked out with Aokuso (pictured) for his bout, and watched the Mount Druitt light-heavyweight clinch an exciting victory

OneFour members were made to stand against a garage door and searched for weapons and narcotics by officers from the anti-gang Raptor squad

Drill rap has come under fire across the globe, with authorities in the US and UK calling for it to be banned amid fears the street-life-inspired music incites violence

‘With any major event, NSW Police works closely with venues and event organisers to ensure the safety and security of attendees, the wider community, and the officers who are in attendance.

‘Police do not tolerate public acts of violence and they also won’t tolerate any behaviour – including music – that clearly incites and provokes retribution and other violent behaviour in NSW.’

Earlier this year a founding member of OneFour was deported from Australia after serving 4.5 years behind bars for the brutal bashing at a pub in Sydney’s western suburbs.

Drill rap has come under fire across the globe, with authorities in the US and UK calling for it to be banned amid fears the street-life-inspired music incites violence.