JOHANNESBURG - FIFA has confirmed the artists that will perform at the closing ceremony of the FIFA 2010 World Cup this evening. (Pictured: Shakira will perform Waka Waka at the World Cup closing ceremony)
Columbian pop star Shakira will feature at her second successive FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, performing the hit song Waka Waka with South Africas Freshlyground. The catchy song has topped the global music charts in 15 countries and was the most watched video on the internet in the month of June, with over 70 million hits on You Tube to date. The other artists at the ceremony include multiple Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jozi, Stoan Seate, Slikour, Zuluboy, Abigail Kubeka, Theo Kgosinkwe, Afrikaans artists Nianell and flutist Wouter, Nigerias 2Face, Ghanas Samini and popular local traditional group Ihashi Elimhlophe.
The 30-minute night-time ceremony will take place at 18h30 at Johannesburgs Soccer City Stadium – ahead of the showpiece 2010 FIFA World Cup final – and will feature some spectacular performances and unique special effects. It will be broadcast live in 215 countries to an audience in excess of 500 million viewers and will feature 780 cast members and some of South Africa and Africas top musicians and dancers. Derek Carstens, the OCs Chief Marketing Officer told The Zimbabwean on Sunday that the Ceremony will have a distinctive African feel, with world-class technology and a contemporary, youthful theme.
Africas first FIFA World Cup has showcased the unique and colourful spirit and warmth of the African continent and its people. The closing ceremony will pay tribute to that spirit with a world-class production. It will also be a tribute to the football thats been played in the tournament, to the fans and their experiences. It will also be a reminder of what South Africa has offered the world over the last month and encourage fans to come back to our country in great numbers after the tournament, said Carstens in Johannesburg.
While the opening ceremony was more traditional in its approach in order to do justice to Africas heritage, the closing ceremony will have more contemporary and youthful themes. It takes place at night, which will allow for more dramatic lighting and special effects. We urge those at the stadiums and those tuning in to take their seats early and not to miss whats sure to be a spectacular show, Carstens added in a statement. Soccer City gates open on Sunday at 14h30, six hours before kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at 20h30.
Post published in: Uncategorized