Govt, LOC to meet over concert

2010-03-31 08:44

Johannesburg - The arts and culture minister is expected to meet the local organising committee on Thursday to discuss the lack of local artists scheduled to perform at the FIFA Kick-Off Celebration concert.

Lulu Xingwana and LOC head Danny Jordaan were 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 spokesperson Lisa Combrinck said.

During a meeting Xingwana held with performers on Tuesday, they argued 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.

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

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

- SAPA