Kidjo, Clegg to set World Cup draw ceremony on fire

MASERU — The Soweto Gospel Choir and two internationally-acclaimed singers — Beninese singer and songwriter Angélique Kidjo and South African legend Johnny Clegg — will perform at the final draw for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The show will be held at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre on December 4 — six months before the official kick-off of the global showcase in South Africa.
The 90-minute ceremony promises to be one of South Africa’s greatest shows ever, comprising dazzling African-inspired visuals, albeit with international appeal.
“The Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo and one of South Africa’s greatest music exports, Johnny Clegg will provide a star-studded line-up for the final draw of the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa in Cape Town on  December 4,” reads part of a Fifa media release.
Fifa is confident the show will be a spectacular event, as there will be special appearances from the football fraternity.
“The 90-minute live show promises a whole host of stunning African-inspired visual and acoustic treats with international appeal. These will include guest appearances by some of the biggest names in world football at the draw to decide whom and where the 32 qualified teams will be playing.”
Soweto Gospel Choir founder and manager Beverly Bryer said they were proud to be part of the draw.
“We are very proud to be part of the final draw for the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa. It is an incredible opportunity,” Bryer said.
Fifa general secretary Jérôme Valcke said the final draw will be one of the world football governing body’s greatest events.
“The Fifa World Cup Final Draw has developed into a major live show that is followed with great excitement by millions of people across the world,” Valcke said.
“It will reignite the 2010 Fifa World Cup fever, not just in the host country but also in the qualified countries, where excitement is mounting as we draw nearer to next year’s Fifa flagship event.”
Meanwhile, Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan is promising a well-organised draw next month.
“This Final Draw has all the ingredients to capture the imagination of the watching world,” Jordan said.
“We look forward to finally welcoming the 32 qualifying countries to Africa to share in the rhythm and energy of our continent, and are certain this event will provide the perfect prelude to Africa’s first Fifa World Cup.”
Countries that have already qualified are: USA, Côte d’Ivoire, Germany, Denmark, Serbia, Mexico, Italy, Chile, Argentina, England, Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Korea DPR, Ghana, Spain, Slovakia, Switzerland, Honduras, Brazil, Paraguay and hosts South Africa.