Solange Cancels Afropunk Festival Set, Reveals She’s Been Suffering From Autonomic Disorder

Solange has confirmed that she's pulling out of the Afropunk Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled in New Year's Eve because of health complications.

The Grammy-winning singer, whose critically acclaimed album A Seat at the Table in 2016, revealed that she's been "quietly" suffering from an autonomic disorder.

The artist failed to share what type of autonomic disorder she was diagnosed with, but the term refers to a breakdown of the autonomic nervous system, which handles certain functions in the body.

"It's been a journey that hasn't been easy on me ... Sometimes I feel cool, and other times not so cool at all," Solange wrote in an Instagram post, announcing the cancelation of her set from the festival.

Solange added that it was a complicated diagnosis and that her doctors had ordered her not to go on a lengthy flight and perform a rigorous show immediately afterward.

"I can't put into words how saddened and sorry I am that I am unable to perform for you guys this [New Year's Eve]," continued Solange.

Solange promises that she'll return to Afropunk Festival and perform because she wants "to connect with the people who have so closely inspired me in so many ways."

Afropunk Festival, which celebrates the plight of African American culture in various forms of art such as music and film, just recently added Johannesburg to its roster of cities, on top of Brooklyn, Paris, London, and Atlanta. Among the artists set to perform in Afropunk Festival Johannesburg are Kid Fonque, Spoek Mathambo, Jojo Abot, Nakhane, The Brother Moves On, Nonku Phiri, and many others.

The festival organizers were saddened by news of Solange's abrupt exit, but they noted that the singer's health should be of utmost importance and priority. They also praised Solange's music, saying it's been a place of great comfort and inspiration to the community.

"Despite this very sad news, [Afropunk Festival Johannesburg] continues to look forward to welcoming many of the world's finest artists, creatives and music fans to Joburg's Constitution Hill on the 30th and 31st of December," the statement read.

Solange recently appeared in a new video as part of a campaign by Calvin Klein. She also directed the music video for SZA's "The Weekend," which was released just days before Christmas. Also, earlier in October, Solange staged a performance of "Scales" from A Seat at the Table in Marfa, Texas, surrounded by concrete works by minimalist artist Donald Judd.

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Solange, Solange Knowles
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