It is the first ever World Cup being held on African soil. The excitement all around the world is electrifying as South Africa hosts the 2010 edition of the World Cup.
Billions of people worldwide will all have their eyes on Africa for the next month as the world’s top players and teams battle for the ultimate sports prize.
Last night, a concert was held to celebrate the World Cup. International stars including the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Shakira performed. While African stars including Hugh Masakela, Angelique Kidjo and Lira also delivered outstanding performances at the Orlando Stadium. Profit earned from the event is being donated to “20 Centers for 2010“, a charity campaign dedicated to enhancing public health, education and development across Africa
As the country was on a high after the pre-World Cup party, tragedy struck as Nelson Mandela’s great granddaugher, 13-year old Zenani Mandela was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. This is simply tragic. We have the Mandela family in our prayers and hope that they are given strength to handle this tragedy.
Earlier today, the World Cup officially kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony held in Soccer City. The ceremony was awesome with lots of dance, music, fireworks and culture on display.
Today, the first official match will be played as host nation South Africa’s Bafana Bafana take on Mexico. Tomorrow, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will battle it out against Argentina at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Good luck boys!
See photos from the two events below.
All photos courtesy the Daily Mail Foreign Service & Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Europe
World Cup Opening Ceremony – 11th June 2010 – Soccer City
Pre-World Cup Party/Concert – 10th June 2010 – Orlando Stadium
Videos from Pre-World Cup Party/Concert – 10th June 2010 – Orlando Stadium
K’Naan – Wavin’ Flag
Shakira & Freshly Ground – Waka Waka
Lira & Hugh Masekela
Black Eyes Peas – Gotta Feeling
WoW! The Images are great! Love the Energy!
Oh Africa!
World cup welcome to Africa.
So far so good … The real fun starts tomorrow …
Anticipating US vs. England & Nigeria vs. Argentina
Was sad to hear about Mandela’s great-granddaughter, condolences to them
Men! I really wish i was in SA right now!
So much Energy . . . . . .
May God comfort Mandela’s family
i loved the jazz bit
knaan’s waving flag was the best! i love the energy for the world cup/… the positive aura is making the whole thing look like a fun holiday and not a competition… and i LOVE that!!
rip to mandela’s great grand daughter.. such a sad occurrence on such a happy and historic day#
.
was there any naija representation? Missed the concert
Konnie, Femi Kuti performed on th opening ceremony (no naija on the concert though)
Gosh i love K’naan!
Shakira’s “waka waka” performance was AWESOME!!!!!!!!
K’naan’s performance also was soooooo fab!
Femi Kuti’s song choice for the opening event was soooooooooo wrong, I was totally embarassed, I would rather have had no naija representation, if that was the best we could do:)
Fantastic concert!
I extend my condolences to the Mandela family. Great African teams, show the world what you are made of. Wishing you all success..do not let the cup go to another continent oo.
iwannabeabillionairesofreakinbaaad,
you too complain!!
What was wrong with that song?
you expected him to come and celebrate a political protest song?
Sex is a celebratory act.there is nothing wrong with it.
Same thing with the song Hugh sang at the opening ceremony.
Asong called ‘Market place’.
Get over yourself and stop complaining unnecessarily.
KK, why are you so mad? relax jo, life is too short.Or u be Femi Kuti’s Publicist ni
??? Abeg o, I am very much entitled to my opinion. FYI love “bang bang bang”, and
the artist, I am just a crazy fan that expected something relevant, and you trying to
lecture me about Hugh, that was soooo not needed…
lol@ KK… some people always have something to complain about…