I Was There: 2010 World Cup Kick-Off Concert
Nearly one week ago, Orlando Stadium hosted the biggest soccer jam session where headlining artists like Lira, the legendary Hugh Masekela, Freshly Ground, Alicia Keyes and K’naan shared center stage for the once-in-a-life time opportunity to welcome the world to South Africa and the continent of Africa, at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-off Concert.
On the eve of the world’s most celebrated sporting event a seaof over 30,000 fans crowded every inch of the stadium to catch glimpse of a dynamic slate of popular international and African artists like Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas, BLK JS , the Parlatones and John Legend, among others.
Artists like Big Nuz played to the heart of the crowd with the hit kwaito song, Umlilo, while the Black Eyed Peas rocked out to the ir number one party anthem, “I’ve Got A Feeling.”
When Cape Town rooted group, Freshly Ground hit the stage with sultry Columbian songstress Shakira the crowd went wild as they performed the uplifting ballad, Waka Waka. Somalian-born artist, K’naan was also a big hit. He sang the official World Cup anthem, “Waving Flag,” and almost as soon as the song’s bass-driven intro cued, a chorus of thousands belted the lyrics as flags from all around world showered the skies in exhaltation.
It was a big night for South Africa, the continent of Africa and the entire world, and president Jacob Zuma and nobel-peace prize winning and the proudly South African humanitarian Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke highly of its significance. The historic concert marked a crossing of times. From the depths of apartheid to an emerging rainbow nation, the birth place of the struggle opened its doors to the world for a harmonious celebration of the beautiful game.
The program closed with a montage of winning World Cup moments. Even though the performances had ended the crowds remained and all were reminded of the sport that brought them there.
A fireworks display sealed the deal, as Orlando Stadium lit up with flames of glory. World Cup eve was a memorable and eventful night.
… and, I was there,
