FIFA World Cup Kick-off celebration concert

Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela will perform at the historic event taking place the night before the first match at 8pm local time (GMT+2) on June 10, 2010 at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

“We in South Africa are blessed to be hosting two first-time events – the first FIFA World Cup held on the African continent and the first FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration concert – and I believe these historic events will go a long way towards uniting the people of our rainbow nation in South Africa as well as further strengthening our relationships with our brothers and sisters on the African continent,” said Lucas Radebe, former South African football international and participant in the Kick-off Concert.

“After All, this is an African World Cup being staged in South Africa. Music and Sports are the lifeblood of African culture, so to combine those in this historic event will be a true celebration of African Culture.”

FIFA World Cup football tournament is the world’s most watched sporting event, and is staged every four years. This is the first time the FIFA World Cup is being held on the African continent, with 32 national teams from all over the world playing matches in ten South African stadiums in the hope of being crowned World Champions. The last FIFA World Cup in Germany attracted a global cumulative television audience of 26.29 billion (24.2 billion in-home and 2.1 billion out-of-home viewers).

“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,” said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke.
The concert is being held in association with 94.7 Highveld Stereo, Talk Radio 702 and Kaya-FM.

Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert online at www.computicket.com or via phone on 083-915-8000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 083-915-8000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Concert tickets are priced at R450 (Outer Circle standing), R650 (Inner Circle standing), R850 & R950 (Upper Level seated), R1150 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices include VAT, Computicket Charges and Park and Ride for all ticket holders.