British rap star Stormzy has postponed the Asian leg of his tour because of the coronavirus outbreak. He had been due to play in locations including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia in March. "Due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour," the rapper, who is of Ghanaian descent, wrote on Instagram. More than 1,350 people have died from the virus in China. "I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold-out shows," the rapper said. "Information regarding the rescheduled dates will follow in due course. Please contact your local ticket vendor for any further queries. I promise I'll be back."

☹️ I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the Coronavirus, I”™m regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the Tour. pic.twitter.com/U3dsDNuLMz

— HEAVY IS THE HEAD (@stormzy) February 13, 2020

Stormzy, who headlined the Glastonbury Festival last year, kicked off a major world tour in Dubai last week.

The ”˜Heavy Is The Head”™ world tour kicked off in style last Friday in Dubai, today it continues in Belgium, let”™s be fucking having ya 👑😤😡 pic.twitter.com/lPDGDs9pia

— HEAVY IS THE HEAD (@stormzy) February 10, 2020

I ROLL OUT WITH NO CASH ON ME 😖🤯🦍 pic.twitter.com/1E1SYUApVN

— HEAVY IS THE HEAD (@stormzy) February 11, 2020

He had also been due to visit Japan, South Korea and Indonesia in March and April. US rock group The Pixies have also cancelled three shows in China in February and March, but are still touring Japan. Kenny G, 98 Degrees and Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley have also postponed upcoming dates in Singapore. Sporting events have also been affected, with the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing and the F1 Grand Prix in Shanghai being postponed. The UK Foreign Office is currently advising against all but essential travel to mainland China.

My brother @Jaykae10 will be joining me for the European leg of the tour, let”™s be fucking having ya ❤️👑 pic.twitter.com/sDz1h81f01

— HEAVY IS THE HEAD (@stormzy) February 6, 2020

Stormzy will be back in London next week for the Brit Awards, where he is nominated for best British male, best British album and best British single.

I”™ve sold out 3 O2 Arenas and a load of other arenas around the UK, this is all a fucking dream tbh!! All venues are literally on the brink of selling out so don”™t miss out! Tickets @ https://t.co/oKFCVGb9Ne ❤️🇬🇧 ”˜HEAVY IS THE HEAD”™ THE WORLD TOUR! pic.twitter.com/MG4bP9uHYv

— HEAVY IS THE HEAD (@stormzy) February 6, 2020