Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys and Shakira kick off World Cup festivities in …

Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys and Shakira kick off World Cup festivities in …

The World Cup festivities begin tonight at 7pm UK time with a celebration concert starring the Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys.

Colombian star Shakira and South African band Freshly Ground will perform the official theme song, This Time for Africa.

Us singer John Legend and African musicians, including Amadou & Mariam and the Soweto Gospel Choir, will also entertain a global audience of billions from the 30,000-capacity Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.

Proceeds from the three-hour show will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, the official World Cup charity, which aims to build 20 educa-tion and healthcare centres across Africa and provide football training for disadvantaged communities.

Music legend Hugh Masekela said: “As South Africans, we are proud to be hosting the first-ever World Cup on African soil.

“I am very humbled and flattered to be part of this event and am looking forward to the concert with great interest and excitement.”

Advertisement – article continues below »

Last night, it was still unclear whether former president Nelson Mandela would attend the concert, which also features Vusi Mahlasela, a South African artist who performed at Mr Mandela’s inauguration in 1994.

But fans will hear the former leader at tomorrow’s opening ceremony in Soccer City, Johannesburg, which will see 1,581 artists, dancers and musicians performing.

A speech by the 91-year-old statesman is part of a song recorded by South African opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe, who died last month from meningitis at the age of 35. His World Cup anthem, Hope, was recorded two days before he died.

Mr Mandela, who has become increasingly frail, is expected to make a brief appearance at the tournament’s first match tomorrow afternoon.

Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, his eldest grandson, said: “He will come and greet the fans before he retires to his home. He will stay at the stadium at least 10 to 15 minutes.”

American RnB star R Kelly will sing with the Soweto Spiritual Singers during the three-hour ceremony, which will precede the first match between hosts South Africa and Mexico.

Who would you least like to be stuck on a desert island with? Take our fun quiz to get news to suit your interests

Get your fashion fix at Celebs-Style.co.uk

Cheap concert tickets
are now available to see the top acts performing live in the UK.
Find Capital FM Summertime Ball ticketsWestlife Tickets
Lady GaGa tickets, JLS tickets and Wireless Festival tickets at Mirror Tickets.