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Solange reveals autonomic disorder diagnosis, cancels Afropunk performance

Solange wrote a note to her fans explaining why she is canceling her performance at Afropunk Johannesburg. The singer revealed that she has been battling an autonomic disorder and that her doctors are advising against the long flight to South Africa. 

The "A Seat at the Table" artist wrote on Instagram that she wants to address her fans in South Africa even though she's still not sure how much she wants to share about her condition.

"It's so important to me for the people in South Africa, a place that has tremendous meaning to me and that has given me SO SO MUCH, to know why I won't be performing at Afro Punk this NYE," she wrote.

Solange continued, "The past five months I have been quietly treating, and working through an Autonomic Disorder. It been a journey that hasn't been easy on me... Sometimes I feel cool, and other times not so cool at all." 

She said it's a complicated diagnosis and that "right now, my doctors are not clearing me for such an extended lengthy flight, and doing a rigorous show right after." 

Solange said that she is looking forward to better self-care in 2018 and added, "This past year has been one of the most fulfilling of my life," as she thanked her fans. 

The singer did not specify what type of autonomic disorder she has. The Mayo Clinic defines autonomic neuropathy as a condition that arises from damage to nerves that control involuntary bodily functions such as blood pressure, temperature control, digestion or  bladder function. It may also affect the heart and blood vessels.

Wrote, deleted and re wrote this like 5 times... Still not sure what exactly or how much I want to share... However it’s so important to me for the people in South Africa, a place that has tremendous meaning to me and that has given me SO SO MUCH, to know why I won’t be performing at Afro Punk this NYE. The past five months I have been quietly treating, and working through an Autonomic Disorder. It been a journey that hasn’t been easy on me... Sometimes I feel cool, and other times not so cool at all. It’s a complicated diagnoses , and I’m still learning so much myself, but right now, my doctors are not clearing me for such an extended lengthy flight, and doing a rigorous show right after. I can’t put into words how saddened and sorry I am that I am unable to perform for you guys this NYE, there is simply no other place I wanted to be than there with my family to bring in 2018 with you.......but I give you my ABSOLUTE WORD I will come back with AfroPunk and deliver this performance.....as it is so extremely important to me to connect with the people who have so closely inspired me in so many ways. I can’t thank Afro Punk enough for their support, and to all of the other festivals this past summer/fall who have known about my health, kept it confidential, and gone out of their way to make me feel supported while doing these shows. As a part of the self care that I’ve tried to encourage this past year, it needs to start with myself, and I’m looking forward to doing a better job of this 2018. This past year has been one of the most fulfilling of my life... Performing this record and experiencing the energy exchange with you guys has been astounding, and I’m so excited about continuing to do the work I feel so absolutely humbled and appreciative to be doing next year. It gives me life.

A post shared by Solange (@saintrecords) on

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