US Superstar Ashanti Tests Positive for Covid-19 Days After Vacationing in Nairobi

Celebrated American songstress Ashanti has been diagnosed with Covid-19 days after her vacation in Kenya.

The 40-year-old ‘Rain on Me’ hitmaker broke the news about her positive Covid-19 status through a post on Instagram on Saturday, saying she is fine and not in any pain.

“Hey y’all I can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m ok and not in any pain,” she wrote.

Ashanti further clarified that she contracted the virus from her cousin in the US and not during her travel to Kenya last week.

“People that thought ‘Oh you should not be traveling,’ No! It did not come from travelling, it came from a family member that I gave a hug to in my house, where you thinking you are supposed to be safe,” she explained.

The songwriter and actress landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on December 7th and stayed at the luxurious Hemingways five-star hotel in Nairobi’s Karen estate.

During her short stay in the Kenyan capital, Ashanti had a safari drive at the Nairobi National Park from where she posted photos and videos on her Instagram stories.

She returned to the US ahead of her Verzuz battle with singer Keyshia Cole which was scheduled to start on December 13th. The battle has since been postponed following the news of Ashanti testing positive for Covid-19.

“First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community,” read a statement from Verzuz.

Ashanti traveled to Kenya despite the US through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warning American citizens against traveling to Kenya due to the high risk of contracting Covid-19.

CDC this month placed Kenya under Level 4 Alert, meaning there is a very high level of Covid-19 and all non-essential travel should be avoided.