A few weeks ago, Control Room, the world’s leading producer of global music events, and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the international governing body of football, announced the final line-up of African and South African artists confirmed to perform at the FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT. 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 – 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 8:00 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 the 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 concert will be broadcast live on SABC 1 on Thursday 10 June from 20:00 – 22:00.

South African broadcaster SABC will transmit the event live nationwide. “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.

Public Tickets

Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert today online at Computicket or via phone on (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.

Parking and Security

A comprehensive parking and security system has been put into place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert.

All those attending will be able to make use of the comprehensive park & ride facilities at nearby Nasrec. Concertgoers will then use the free bus shuttle service to and from Orlando Stadium as no parking will be permitted on or nearby the stadium itself. A comprehensive safety and security plan will be implemented for both Orlando Stadium and the Nasrec park & ride hub.

South African Media Partners

Local South African media partners Kaya-FM, Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo are proud to be part of this first ever FIFA WORLD CUP KICK –OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT.

Executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control Room, in partnership with local promoter, Showtime Entertainment, the event will feature musical performances by major international superstars and popular African artists collaborating together, along with special appearances by past and present football legends with all proceeds to benefit 20 Centres for 2010, the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and providing a communications platform for 1Goal, an organization that aims 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. Expected to be the greatest entertainment event to date on the African continent, the event will be televised to millions worldwide.

“2010 will mark the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond,” said Kevin Wall, founder of Control Room. “We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable, must-see experience.”

For more information about the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, please visit www.fifa.com/concert.