Ashanti cancels Verzuz event with Keyshia Cole due to positive COVID-19 test

Ashanti has tested positive for COVID-19.

The singer, 40, took to her Instagram to make the announcement on Saturday afternoon, just hours before she was set to attend an Apple Music Verzuz event opposite Keyshia Cole.

‘Hey y’all I can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19,’ the Rock Wit U songstress wrote on her Instagram.

‘I’m OK and not in any pain,’ she continued.

‘I’m actually down to do the Verzuz from my house… we’re trying to figure it all out!!!’  

A bit later, Ashanti attended an Instagram Live video in which she chatted with Cole, 39.  

While she again maintained that she felt fine and ready to participate in the event from home, Keyshia told her to rest up and that they would reschedule for the new year.

And according to the @VerzuzTV Instagram account, the rescheduled event will take place on January 9th.

‘Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight’s @Ashanti vs @KeyshiaCole #VERZUZ. Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process,’ their statement read. 

‘First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti,’ it continued.

‘Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community  NEW DATE: January 9th, 2021’

As seen on both of the artists’ Instagram accounts, the event was initially set to take place on Saturday at 5 PM Pacific time.

As with any production in this current era, COVID tests were surely provided ahead of the studio call time to make sure all participants were negative.