The organizers of Reggae Sumfest are seeking a replacement for its International Night 1 headliner R Kelly after the singer was rushed to hospital.

Yesterday (July 19), The R&B entertainer was rushed into emergency surgery after an abscess was discovered on one of the singer’s tonsils.

Chairman of Reggae Sumfest Robert Russell tells Music News that R Kelly’s doctors say the singer is unable to perform.

R Kelly was slated to perform this Friday, International Night 1 at Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.

Keep it locked to IRIE FM for R Kelly’s replacement.

Reggae Sumfest kicks off tomorrow with dancehall night featuring Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Beanie Man, Bounty Killa, I-Octane, Assassin, Elephant Man and a host of others.

While Friday night, international night 1 will feature Beres Hammond, Half Pint, Tanya Stephens, Christopher Martin and Prophecy among others.

And the curtains for the 2011 staging of Reggae Sumfest will close on Saturday international night 2 with performances from rapper Nicki Minaj, Jah Cure, Wayne Wonder, Gyptain, Protoje, Chalice, Cherine Anderson and many others.

The performance nights at Reggae Sumfest will run from Thursday July 21 to Saturday July 23.