SA wants more local artists
2010-03-26 20:07
Johannesburg - Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana said on Friday that it was unacceptable that only a handful of South African and African artists were scheduled to take part in the Fifa kick-off celebration concert on June 10.
She said: "It is not fair that mainly artists from outside the country and the continent should welcome our guests.
"We cannot condone South African artists being marginalised in their own motherland."
Spokesperson Lisa Combrinck said the department supported local artists who complained that too few of its own were represented in the line-up.
The department wants an urgent meeting with the local organising committee (LOC) to discuss the matter.
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.
The LOC could not immediately be reached for comment.
- SAPA
