Akon has been banned from performing in Sri Lanka after one of his music videos sparked angry protests in the country.

The rapper was due to stage a sell-out concert next month, but a group of Buddhist monks lobbied the government calling for him to be denied a visa.

Their protest centered on the video for Akon's hit 'Sexy Bitch', which shows him dancing with women in bikinis in front of a Buddha statue.

In addition, a Facebook group - entitled We Hate AKON - also attracted thousands of angry comments about the star, reports AFP.

In a statement, the government said the public response meant they were “compelled” to deny Akon a visa, even though he has yet to apply for one.

Akon has previously attracted controversy when he threw a fan from the stage during a performance in New York.

(by Jason Gregory)