The much awaited comeback concert of international R&B artist Akon has been moved to a later date reportedly due to the virus scare.

The concert was originally slated on July 4 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City but it has been moved to Oct. 23.

ABS-CBN’s SNN (Showbiz News Ngayon) reported that the organizers had been forced to postpone his concert due to A(H1N1).

In a taped message aired on SNN, the Senegalese-American singer-songwriter extended his apology to all his fans who already bought tickets.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, our concert has been postponed for the 23rd of October. Make sure you will come and we apologize for the changes that we have to make but remember, those tickets that were purchased are still valid for the concert,” Akon said.

He also assured his fans that they can bring the same tickets to the concert.

But the Philippine concert is not the only event that the popular R&B performer is postponing.

His concert tours to China and Malaysia were likewise postponed due to A(H1N1).

Akon became popular with the release of “Locked Up” in 2004. It was his first single from his debut album “Trouble.” His second album, “Konvicted,” earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single “Smack That.”

He was expected to sing his hits from his third album, “Freedom,” in his upcoming concert with Filipino international performer Billy Crawford as special guest.

Akon’s first show in the country was held in November 2007.