Kicking off the FIFA World Cup on 10 June 2010 at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg, this historic three-hour live concert event will showcase the music, sport and visual pageantry of South Africa. 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, and will be broadcast to networks around the world. All net proceeds will benefit 20 Centres for 2010, the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa .
FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke said: "This is the first time that the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa and what better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond. This kick-off celebration will be one of the greatest events of its kind in Africa and a must-see for football and music fans around the world."
"There are few things in life that can kindle such widespread passion as football, but music is without doubt one of them. With this celebratory kick-off event, football fans are in for a huge treat," said Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup organising committee South Africa.
"The City of Johannesburg has a deep and rich tradition in the arts and is proud to play host to such a premier cultural event. This concert will be broadcast into hundreds of millions of homes around the world and we will do everything we can to help ensure that those attending and watching on TV cherish the experience for a lifetime," said Amos Masondo, executive mayor of Johannesburg.
Kevin Wall, Control Room founder, said, "We are honoured to have been selected by FIFA to organise and produce this first-ever event for the world's largest sport. We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through this international event, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable experience of which all will want to be a part."
(Jim Evans)
