With barely a day before this year’s MTV Africa Music Awards ceremony takes place, the scheduled host, Trevor Noah suddenly pulled out due to a severe upper respiratory and ear infection.

According to the statement sent forth, the host of America’s The Daily Show apologized to his fans, even as he assured them on how much he loved the awards show and his country.

Also Read: Trevor Noah And The MTV Africa Music Awards

“I love the MAMA’s,” he said, “and more importantly I love performing in my country. I’m so sorry if I’ve disappointed you but please know that I love performing more than anything in life and so having to cancel any show, breaks my heart,” Noah reassured.

The awards are set to take place at the Dome in, Randburg, Johannesburg on Saturday, October 22, 2016.