KANYE WEST - KANYE BREAKS DOWN AT LIVE GIG

KANYE BREAKS DOWN AT LIVE GIG

Rap star Kanye West broke down in tears during a live performance in Paris a week after the death of his mother, according to reports.

People magazine reports the singer was delivering the final songs in the set when he lost his composure before delivering the song Hey Mama.

Fans in the audience told the magazine West had just dedicated the hit to his mother saying: "This song is for my mother", before his grief overcame him.

A journalist for a French newspaper who was at the event explained: "He said the word, 'mother' and just couldn't go any further. A back-up singer, the DJ and a guitar player came over to console him. It looked like he might collapse.

"He just couldn't continue. He just stood there in a spotlight, crying while the band continued playing," the witness said.

West then left the stage but returned after ten minutes to finish off the concert with his hit Stronger.

The local journalist added: "He was very nervous, seemed to have gathered himself up, and had a lot of energy. He kept shouting out to the audience, 'I need you... I need you right now' and the public was screaming back. It was magic."

West's mother passed away last week after complications occurred in a plastic surgery operation. Fellow rap star Will.I.Am stepped in for the grieving star at the recent Victoria's Secret fashion show, after he cancelled his appearance in light of his bereavement.

The singer is promoting his new album with performances across Europe including a show at London's O2 Arena on Thursday.