LONDON:

US rapper Kanye West broke down on stage in London after performing a song about his mother, who died last week. It was the first time he had performed in public since Dr Donda West’s funeral in the US on Tuesday.

West, 30, who kicked off his UK tour at London’s O2 arena, dedicated the track Hey Mama to her.

One member of the crowd said, “It touched my heart when he sang Hey Mama, I felt for him. It was the best performance I have ever seen him give, and because there was emotion there it was even better.”

Dr Donda West died aged 58 after complications following surgery. West often spoke of his close relationship with his mother. She raised him alone after her husband left when West was three.

Hey Mama included the lyrics, “Hey Mama, I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I’m so proud of you. I appreciate what you allowed for me, I just want you to be proud of me.” — Agencies