Tournament News
Music stars for SWC concert
2010-03-17 18:09
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Johannesburg - FIFA has lined up international music stars Alicia Keys, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and John Legend for a World Cup concert in Johannesburg on June 10, the day before the opening match.
The lineup announced Wednesday also features a strong African presence with South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela and Malian artists Amadou and Mariam and Tinariwen.
South African rock bands BLK JKS and The Parlotones will also perform as the country prepares to be the first African host in the 80-year history of the tournament.
"We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa," said FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.
"It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note of celebration."
FIFA selected Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall to produce the three-hour show at the newly renovated Orlando Stadium in the famous Johannesburg township of Soweto.
Wall was involved in organizing concerts to help free Nelson Mandela when he was imprisoned by South Africa's apartheid government. The 58-year-old American also produced the Live 8 concerts in 2005 and was behind the Live Earth events three years ago.
"2010 will mark the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond," Wall said on his company Control Room's website.
Organizers have also promised more artist announcements in the future. The host nation will open the tournament against Mexico at the nearby Soccer City stadium on June 11.