WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA TO KICK OFF WITH SUPERSTAR CONCERT

WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA TO KICK OFF WITH SUPERSTAR CONCERT

FIFA and Control Room, a producer of global music events, has announced the final line-up of African and South African artists for the inaugural FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert. Five-time South African Music Award (SAMA) winners Freshlyground, legendary South African musician Hugh Masekela, the Soweto-based Mzansi Youth Choir, two-time Grammy Award winners and three-time SAMA winners the Soweto Gospel Choir, as well as African hip hop artist K’NAAN, will take to the stage on 10 June at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg on the eve of the opening match of the first FIFA World Cup™ on African soil.




"As South Africans we are proud to be hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil. I am very humbled and flattered to be part of this global event and am looking forward to the concert with great interest and excitement," said Hugh Masekela.

Billed as the greatest entertainment event to date in Africa, the concert features musical performances by ithe earlier announced international superstars such as  Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela in collaboration with major African artists, as well as football legends from the past and the present and celebrities from other fields. The concert will be broadcast live worldwide. It is scheduled to begin at 20.00 local time (GMT+2) on 10 June.


Vusi Mahlasela, one of South Africa's most legendary musicians


"We wanted to have an eclectic, international mix of music genres to appeal to as many people as possible around the world whilst at the same time showcasing the immense home-grown talent of the host country," said Niclas Ericson, FIFA Director of TV.

Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo said: "This concert will be broadcast into hundreds of millions of homes across the globe and as such represents a remarkable opportunity for our nation to show off our rich cultural heritage."