Trevor Noah pulls out of hosting MAMA 2016

South African comedian, actor, and TV host, Trevor Noah, has pulled out of hosting the 2016 edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), citing “a severe upper respiratory and ear infection” as cause.

The host of The Daily Show, a late-night television talk show on Comedy Central, made the announcement on Friday, the eve of the event.

So sorry everyone…Please read below, far too much to tweet. #MTVMAMA2016 @MTVBaseAfrica @MTVBaseSouth pic.twitter.com/hPzpbvqWbC

— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) October 21, 2016

He expressed his regrets while asking for understanding and support.

Thank you all for the get well wishes! I’m sorry to have to miss all of you this weekend and #mtvmama2016 I will do my utmost to make it up to you! #mtvbaseafrica @mtvbaseafrica

A video posted by Trevor Noah (@trevornoah) on Oct 21, 2016 at 5:18am PDT

The MAMA ceremony which is slated to take place on Saturday, October 22 at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa

South African TV presenter and radio host, Bonang Matheba, has been announced as replacement for Trevor.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please let’s give it up for the new host of the #MTVMAMA2016 @bonang_m pic.twitter.com/WKfOw8YJUu

— 1 Day To @mamas (@MTVBaseEast) October 21, 2016