Famous singer Shakira has landed in South Africa in preparation for the kick-off of the World Cup. She seemed in high spirits and at ease, rocking a casual chic look with jeans, heels, and a leather jacket as she touched down at the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The 33-year-old songstress is set to grace the stage at the Kick-Off Celebration concert in Soweto on Thursday, where she will perform the official World Cup anthem, Waka Waka, ahead of the tournament’s opening match.
Shakira has landed in South Africa to grace the stage at the Kick-Off Celebration Concert happening on Thursday, just before the World Cup kicks off.
Radiant: The singer from Colombia appeared cheerful and at ease following her flight. Her arrival today caused quite a commotion in the destination country, as police and security personnel had to work hard to ensure Shakira’s safety amidst throngs of enthusiastic fans who had gathered at the airport to also greet Germany’s football team. Discussing her choice to perform the official tournament anthem, Shakira explained: “The FIFA World Cup is a remarkable display of global enthusiasm, bridging every country, race, religion, and background under one common passion. It symbolizes an occasion that has the ability to bring people together and promote unity, and that’s the essence of this song.”
Watching over her like a hawk, Shakira was shielded by a team of policemen to ensure that her enthusiastic fans were kept at a safe distance.
Crowded: Despite the throngs of fans eager to catch a glimpse of her, Shakira seemed unaffected by the attention. She went on to say, “This song represents the fusion of the love for soccer and the emotions it stirs in people.” The Kick-Off concert on Friday will also feature performances by Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, the Parlotones, Hugh Masekela, and Freshlyground. FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke expressed his excitement about the concert, stating, “We are delighted to have such a grand concert with such talented performers kick off the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. It showcases the incredible power of football and music to bring people together and sets the tone for a joyful start to the competition.”
Shakira, the busy entertainer, recently wowed the crowd at the Rock in Rio festival in Madrid, Spain. However, the excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup in South Africa has been dampened by the tragic news of the passing of South African singer Siphiwo Ntshebe. Ntshebe, known as the ‘Black Pavarotti’, was set to perform at the opening ceremony after being personally selected by President Nelson Mandela to sing his anthem of Hope. Sadly, Ntshebe passed away on May 26, just two weeks before his scheduled performance in front of a global audience of two billion. The highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is set to kick off this Friday with a match between South Africa and Mexico. Viewers can catch the action on ITV1 starting at 2.30 pm ahead of the 3 pm kickoff.
