Shakira & Rihanna have been urged to cancel their upcoming gigs in Azerbaijan by Amnesty International.

The human rights organisation wrote an open letter to the two superstars asking them to postpone their shows in the capital of Baku out of respect for several activists and journalists who were recently arrested.

The statement reads:  "Both singers should be aware of the situation in the country.

"Amnesty International believes that the Azerbaijani government should afford all artists, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens the right to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal. We hope that you share our belief."

Rihanna, who is set to perform in the country tonight and Shakira, who is scheduled to play two dates next week, are yet to respond.