/ 31 March 2010

Arts minister to meet LOC over 2010 kick-off concert

Arts Minister To Meet Loc Over 2010 Kick Off Concert

Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana is expected to meet the local organising committee (LOC) on Thursday to discuss the lack of local artists scheduled to perform at the Fifa Kick-Off Celebration concert.

Xingwana and LOC head Danny Jordaan are expected to discuss the artists’ request that 80% of those performing at the June 10 concert at Orlando Stadium should be from South Africa or Africa, Department of Arts and Culture spokesperson Lisa Combrinck said in a statement.

During a meeting Xingwana held with performers on Tuesday, they argued that the soccer tournament’s artistic programme should reflect a “holistic African experience”.

On Friday, Xingwana said it was “unacceptable” that only a handful of local artists were taking part.

“It is not fair that mainly artists from outside the country and the continent should welcome our guests,” she said in a statement.

The concert line-up includes international acts Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, Tinariwen and Vieux Farka Touré.

The local acts are The Parlotones, BLK JKS and Vusi Mahlasela. — Sapa