FIFA Plans World Cup Kick-Off Concert

LOS ANGELES: FIFA has tapped Kevin Wall and his company Control Room as the executive producer of the official kick-off celebration concert of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

On June 10, 2010, the newly renovated Orlando stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg will play host to a three-hour live concert event, showcasing music, sport and the visual pageantry of South Africa. The concert will feature musical performances by international superstars and popular African artists collaborating together. All net proceeds will benefit 20 Centres for 2010, the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

FIFA’s 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,” commented Danny Jordaan, the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa. “With this celebratory kick-off event, football fans are in for a huge treat.”

“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,” added Amos Masondo, the executive mayor of Johannesburg. “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.”

Kevin Wall, the founder of Control Room, said, “We are honored to have been selected by FIFA to organize 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.”