The World Cup is going to get a resounding musical kick off. FIFA and Control Room, a leading producer of global music events, announced the first performing artists for the inaugural FIFA Kick-Off Celebration Concert.
The stage is set at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg to celebrate the first World Cup on African soil. It's being called the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa, it will feature performances from major international musicians and African artists, as well as appearances by football legends and celebrities from other fields.
This historic music event will take place in front of a capacity stadium audience of 30,000 will be broadcast to hundreds of millions more worldwide. It is scheduled to begin on Thursday June 10 at 20.00hrs local time (GMT+2), the eve of the opening match of the tournament. Shakira will be performing the official World Cup song, Waka Waka, at the Kick-Off Celebration concert.
Speaking about her decision to perform the official tournament song, Shakira said: 'The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion. It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that's what this song is about.' She added: 'This song is a synthesis of the passion for soccer and what it arouses in people.'
Other stars to perform at the Kick-Off concert include Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, the Parlotones, Hugh Masekela and Freshlyground.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said: 'We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. '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.'
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa will kicks off on Friday June 11 at 16.oohrs local time (GMT+2), with the opening match to be played by South Africa and Mexico.