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By Chris Johnson
Let's get this party started: The gig was held at South Africa's 30,000-capacity Orlando StadiumIf the football to follow is to be dubbed the biggest show in Earth, this was one hell of a warm-up act.
South Africa kicked off a month long party on Thursday night with a spectacular concert at Orlando Stadium, featuring the likes of the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira, as well a host of local talent.
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South African President Jacob Zuma and FIFA President Sepp Blatter also joined in on the party in Johannesburg's Soweto township, calling for unity for the duration of the World Cup.
'Africa is showing the world that it is capable of holding any matter of the world like any other region. Africa is hosting this tournament, South Africa is just the stage,' said Zuma.
Net proceeds from the concert will go to 20 Centres for 2010, FIFA's official social campaign for the World Cup, aimed at achieving positive change in Africa through football.
The campaign aims to build 20 centres across the continent offering healthcare services, education and soccer training for disadvantaged communities.
The Hips Don't Lie: Shakira looked stunning in a cutaway bodice and grass skirtShakira sang some of her most well known tracks, including The Hips Don't Lie, before getting stuck in to the finale song Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), the official World Cup anthem.
Concert-goers clapped and cheered amidst almost freezing temperatures as footballers, local musicians and the international singing stars, who also included U.S. singer Alicia Keys, took to the stage, the first time such a music concert has been held as part of the World Cup opening events.
United: South African president Jacob Zuma (left) and FIFA president Sepp Blatter joined the 30,000-strong crowd in celebration
'This is great. This concert, the World Cup. When you drive down the road, you can feel it's changing us...Sports and music are a universal language that everyone understands,' said 28-year-old Neo Baloyi.U.S. group Black Eyed Peas kicked off the concert, which was broadcast live around the world, with their chart-topping hit Where is the love.
Other stars expected to perform include R Kelly, Angelique Kidjo and Vusi Mahlasela.
Children and the elderly alike waved South African flags and sang 'Shosholoza', the popular local tune sung mostly at soccer matches.
International superstars: Black Eyed Peas performed a storming set at the start of the concertThe scene in the 30,000-capacity stadium was reminiscent of 1995, when South Africa, recently free from decades of apartheid rule, won the rugby World Cup. The tournament was widely seen as uniting a country long divided along racial lines.
'This is history in the making. Only 15 years ago we were unsure of our identity, but here we stand as one nation. I'm very excited, I'm very happy to be here, I love the vibe,' said 44-year-old Vanitha Govender, who works for Standard Bank.
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