Shakira, John Legend, Amadou & Mariam will also help open tournament in South Africa.By Nick Neofitidis
Alicia Keys
Photo: Matt Harper/ MTV News
Kicking off one of the world's biggest sporting events should be the job of some equally big superstars. The 2010 FIFA World Cup did its best to recruit A-list artists, and on Wednesday, the soccer organization confirmed that Alicia Keys, Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend would be among the performers hitting the stage on June 10 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg, South Africa.
"[It's] going to be insane," Keys told MTV News, shortly after the announcement. "I'm very excited about going to Africa, and the fact that the World Cup is in Africa is unbelievable for me! To be a part of that is incredible."
Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo and South African rock group BLK JKS will be among the musicians celebrating the first World Cup on their continent. The opening celebration, which is held on the eve of the first match, will also likely include appearances by soccer legends past and present, plenty of celebrity power and more performances to be announced soon.
Keys is excited to go back to Africa and work with her Keep a Child Alive foundation, which provides support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
FIFA is doing its part to help too: All net proceeds from the concert will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, a campaign to build soccer-training centers in Africa that will also offer education and health-care services to disadvantaged communities.
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