Lollapalooza Colombia has axed its inaugural festival after headliner Rihanna pulled out.

Rihanna

Rihanna

Colombian news outlet La Tercera reports that the 28-year-old singer was due to headline the two-day festival in Bogota in September but recently withdrew due to fears over the Zika virus and organisers had to pull the plug because they were left with insufficient time to find a new star.

A message on the festival's website read: "After the cancellation of the main artist hours before the announcement of the line-up and facing major difficulties in finding a suitable replacement, festival organisers have been forced to cancel the inaugural Lollapalooza Colombia.

"The organisers wish to express their deep appreciation to all the fans who supported the festival since day one, as well as the sponsors and the media partners."

Lana Del Rey, Disclosure, Wiz Khalifa and The Chainsmokers had also been booked to perform.

After Brazil, Colombia has the highest number of cases of the Zika virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, affects brain development in unborn children and can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nervous system disorder.


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