Mos Def Cancels Midi

Yasiin Bey, or the artist formerly known as Mos Def, canceled his headlining appearance at the Midi Festival in Beijing days before he was set to perform.

Contracted to appear by one of the festival sponsors, Vans, the rapper-actor had already had his performance approved, his visas secured and his flights booked.

The stated reason for the cancellation, according to China Music Radar, was “personal problems.”

It isn’t the first time Bey/Def has mysteriously not shown up for a Pacific Rim gig. In January he was supposed to tour Australia for a total of 11 shows, but played only seven without much in the way of explanation.

The local promoter claims to have lost $250,000 in the process.