The final line-up of artists to perform at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert in South Africa has been announced.
Five-time SAMA winners Freshlyground, legendary South African trumpeter and flugelhorn player Hugh Masekela, Soweto-based Mzansi Youth Choir, two-time GRAMMY Award winners and three-time SAMA winners Soweto Gospel Choir, and acclaimed African Hip Hop artist K’NAAN – who recently recorded the uplifting “Wavin’ Flag (The Celebration Mix)” song that serves as the anthem for the entire Coca-Cola FIFA campaign – will perform alongside previously announced African and international artists including Alicia Keys (U.S.), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Black Eyed Peas (U.S.), BLK JKS (South Africa), John Legend (U.S.), Juanes (Colombia), Shakira (Colombia), The Parlotones (South Africa), Tinariwen (Mali), Vieux Farka Touré (Mali) and Vusi Mahlasela (South Africa) – at the historic event taking place the night before the first match at 8 p.m. local time (GMT+2) on June 10, 2010, at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg.
“As South Africans, we are proud to be hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil,” said Hugh Masekela. “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.”
From its conception, event organizers envisioned the inaugural concert showcasing the rich cultural diversity and musical heritage of South Africa. Artists selected represent current popularity and reflect the variety of musical generations, genres and geographies of the country and African region. The full line-up, featuring 70 percent African artists, will be seen by millions of music and football fans worldwide through live broadcasts.
“We wanted to have an eclectic 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 FIFA Director of TV Niclas Ericson.
The official FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert will provide a global communications platform for two campaigns — 20 Centres for 2010 and 1GOAL — to showcase their efforts in fostering positive social change in Africa and around the world. ‘20 Centres for 2010,’ the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and beneficiary of proceeds from the concert on June 10, will create 20 Football for Hope Centres for education, public health and football in disadvantaged African communities as a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the African continent. 1GOAL is a campaign to mobilize public support to hold governments to their promises and enable every child to get into a classroom and receive an education by 2015.
Public Tickets
Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert today online here or via phone at (27) 083 915 8000. Concert tickets are priced at R450 (Outer Circle standing), R650 (Inner Circle standing), R850 & R950 (Upper Level seated), R1150 & R1400 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices include VAT, Computicket charges and park-and-ride for all ticket holders.
