South African band Freshlyground, Somali-Canadian rapper K’Naan and the Soweto Gospel Choir have joined the line-up for the World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert on June 10.
South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and the Mzansi Youth Choir have also been added to the bill for the show at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, said event producer Control Room and soccer governing body FIFA.
K’Naan has recorded a version of his song “Wavin’ Flag” for the Coca-Cola FIFA campaign for the 2010 World Cup.
Other acts already confirmed for the concert include Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, the Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela.
“As South Africans we are proud to be hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil,” said Hugh Masekela in a statement. “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.”
The full line-up will be made up of 70% African artists.
“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 concert will be broadcast live on SABC 1 in South Africa, and it is set to be aired by international broadcasters.
“The South African Broadcast Corporation is proud to be the exclusive free to air broadcaster in South Africa and to be the technical co-producer to ensure this concert reaches millions of people through television and radio around the world,” said SABC CEO Solly Mokoetle in a statement.
