Organizers have promised a “suitable international replacement” for Janet Jackson, and ticket exchanges will be accepted until Thursday morning.
It has been officially confirmed that American megastar Janet Jackson will not be performing at this weekend's Dstv Delicious Festival in Johannesburg.
Jackson is scheduled to attend a family function related to the death of his brother, Tito Jackson, who died Sunday at age 70.
Tito was a founding member of the Jackson 5.
Related article: 'Janet has to stay home and bury her brother': Fans sympathise with singer ahead of Delicious Festival
Janet Jackson thanks South African fans
Janet Jackson, 58, has been announced as one of the headliners of this year's Delicious festival, alongside neo-soul singer Jill Scott and South Africa's Thandiswa, which takes place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
Jackson was scheduled to perform with Thandiswa on Saturday, while Scott was due to perform on Sunday.
Ticket holders who want to exchange their Saturday tickets for Sunday tickets can do so until midnight Wednesday.
“Following the recent passing of Janet Jackson's brother, Tito Jackson, we are heartily aware that due to urgent family commitments, Janet Jackson will no longer be able to headline the DStv Delicious Festival Powered by Lottostar,” organisers said.
“We send our deepest condolences and support to Janet and her family at this time of grief.
In a correspondence with the festival's management team, Janet's management team said: “Janet's brother Tito passed away last Sunday. For obvious reasons, Janet has had to cancel her performance at DStv Delicious Festival to be with her family.”
“Management is making plans to return next year. Janet would also like to express her gratitude to all her South African fans for the warm and heartfelt support she is receiving during these difficult times.”
Related article: South Africa happy with female headliner at Delicious Festival
Ticket exchange due to replacement of international matches
Organizers said they understood fans were looking forward to Jackson's performance, but that the festival team was working to secure “suitable alternative international headliners” to ensure an unforgettable experience.
For ticket holders who want to exchange their Saturday tickets for Sunday tickets, that option will be available on the Ticketmaster site between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
Subject to availability.
Click here to redeem your tickets.
Organizers urged fans to follow the festival's social media pages for real-time updates.