Hundreds of music patrons were shocked to learn that Janelle Monae's first ever Melbourne performance was cancelled due to ill health, just minutes before the American songstress was due to perform on Saturday night. 

Forum Theatre management said that a "signal" was sent out for a doctor shortly before the performance and it was on this advice that the decision was made to cancel. 

"It's a genuine health issue, we tried to work out a way for the show to go forward but the band in solidarity for Janelle have decided that they can't put together a show of enough quality," said Forum Theatre manager, Jason Platts. 

Janelle Monae with Kimbra.  Photo: Live Nation

"From the venue's point of view, we're extremely sorry about it.  I've done 1200 shows here and this has never happened," he added. 

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Confusion was apparent in the crowd as Monae's band members and gear were assembled on stage for the announcement. 

Monae's white-coat clad spokesperson assured punters that any ticket holder wishing to attend her second scheduled performance on May 26 would be able to.  This is despite the fact a second Melbourne show needed to be added to make up for an earlier cancellation in Perth. 

The news was read out approximately 30 minutes after Kimbra's opening set at 10.15pm. Monae was scheduled to take the stage at 9:45pm. 

Monae's opening act, Kimbra of Grammy winning song "Somebody That I Used To Know", performed her allocated set and gave no indication to the audience that she had any knowledge of Monae's illness, stating several times how excited she was for the first leg of the tour. 

Monae herself is yet to make a statement on the highly unusual cancellation, while Kimbra has tweeted

Let's all lift up our thoughts & prayers for @JanelleMonae.  We had a beautiful time playing 4 u 2night & we will be both be back on the...

Tour promoter Live Nation have posted information for ticket holders on social media providing two options, either a refund or a reallocation to Monae's only other scheduled show in Melbourne on May 26 at The Plenary. 

Fans have also taken to social media both to express disappointment and wish Monae a speedy recovery.