Destiny’s Child to split

“We have been working together as Destiny’s Child since we were nine, and touring together since we were 14,” said the statement.

“After a lot of discussion and some deep soul-searching, we realised that our current tour has given us the opportunity to leave Destiny’s Child on a high note, united in our friendship and filled with an overwhelming gratitude for our music, our fans, and each other.”

The break-up of the multi-platinum selling R&B group, which first debuted as a teenage R&B foursome in 1997, has been expected for some time.

The title of the group’s latest album – Destiny Fulfilled – appeared to signal the end was near.

Many critics didn’t expect the group to reunite after the success of Beyonce’s solo debut in 2003.

Her album, Dangerously In Love, won five Grammys and solidified her as a superstar in her own right.

In an interview with AP in November, the women were noncommittal when asked about their future.

“I think as far as Destiny’s Child, our main focus is for us to maintain our friendship,” said Beyonce.

“And if in three years, five years, 10 years, whenever we decide we wanna do another Destiny’s Child record, then we will do it.

“But I think our main goal was to do this next record, and I think we just wanna eventually have kids that play together.”

Despite the impending break-up, the women pledged to remain close friends.

“After all these wonderful years working together, we realised now is the time to pursue our personal goals and solo efforts in earnest,” the statement said.

“No matter what happens, we will always love each other as friends and sisters and will always support each other as artists.

“We want to thank all of our fans for their incredible love and support and hope to see you all again as we continue fulfilling our destinies.”

The break up of the group brings an end to a colourful and varied career for the American singers.

Beyonce and Rowland have been members of the group since it was formed with LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson in their hometown of Houston.

They scored instant success with their debut, thanks to the hit No No No (Part I).

But after the release of their second album, 1999’s The Writing’s On The Wall, Luckett and Roberson were sacked.

The duo later sued the group and Beyonce’s manager-father, Matthew Knowles. The parties eventually reached a settlement.

Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin replaced Roberson and Luckett the same year, but Franklin was later dropped.

Among the group’s biggest hits have been Bootylicious, Survivor and Independent Women (Part I). All of their albums have sold at least one million copies. Their latest has sold more than two million.

Rowland and Williams have also released solo albums, but failed to reach the commercial or critical heights of Beyonce’s material.