Ashanti has revealed how she caught coronavirus after hugging a family member, causing her Verzuz battle with Keyshia Cole to be postponed until next year. 

The singer was due to go up against fellow R&B star Keyshia on Saturday night for the latest music battle hosted by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.  However, Ashanti announced just two hours before that she had tested positive for Covid-19. 

‘I’m super bummed. I’m still ready to do it tonight. Me and Team Apple have been on the phone since like late last night, early this morning trying to figure out how to do it,’ Ashanti explained in an Instagram live.

She continued: ‘And I’m super ready, but we don’t think the technical aspect of things is going to be perfect. ‘This is crazy, not in a million years did I think I would test positive. I am so mad because I was so ready.

The momentum of Verzuz has been so incredible.’  Detailing how she caught the virus, Ashanti – who has mild symptoms – explained: ‘To be very, very, very clear: Yes I’ve been travelling, yes I went to Nairobi, and I had an amazing time. No I did not get Covid from travelling; no I did not get Covid from being in Africa. 

‘Everyone that I went on a trip with has tested [negative]. They went from country to country; they went to Uganda so they have to continue to get tested. No one tested positive; I did not get it from travelling. 

‘I actually got it from a family member when I came home. I came home and I hugged a family member who ended up being positive. I didn’t know he was positive, he didn’t know he was positive so when he went to get tested, I was like, “Oh, f**k”.’ 

‘I got tested last night and that’s what it is,’ she added.  Keyshia was understandable and joined Ashanti on her live to console the disappointed singer, stating: ‘I told you last night I want to give you a hug, I want to love on you. I want to sing your songs in front of you, I want you to be there and do the same.  ‘I want you to enjoy your flowers… and I want us to be united as one, there’s too much separation and division in this business as women.’