2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony

The 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony took place on 11 June at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, two hours before the opening match of the tournament. It lasted 40 minutes, and included 1500 performers, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Timothy Moloi, Hugh Masekela, Khaled, Femi Kuti, Osibisa, R. Kelly, TKZee, Hip Hop Pantsula and the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Although in frail health and 91 years old, the ex-South African president Nelson Mandela was thought to be going to attend the opening ceremony, however he pulled out after the death of his great-granddaughter, who was killed in a car crash earlier in the day. Dignitaries that did attend the ceremony alongside the FIFA President Sepp Blatter and the current South African president Jacob Zuma, included the South African religious leader Desmond Tutu, the United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, the Mexican president Felipe Calderón, and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Opening celebration concert

The first-ever FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert took place on 10 June at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Warm-up acts including Goldfish, 340ml and Tumi Molekane performed before the internationally televised portion of the concert began at 20:00 SAST. The three-hour main event included performances by Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, The Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, The Dave Matthews Band, Elton John, Freshlyground, Hugh Masekela, John Legend, Juanes, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, K'Naan, Lira, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Rod Stewart, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré, Vusi Mahlasela and The Who.

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