The
Orange Africa Cup of Nations SOUTH AFRICA 2013 Opening Ceremony is pulling out
the continent’s musical royalty to launch Africa’s most prestigious soccer
tournament. Featuring some of Africa’s
most gifted artists, the vibrant opening
ceremony, themed “Celebrate Africa – The Beat at Africa’s Feet!” commences at
16h00 on Saturday, 19th of January. The event will feature a host of
African talent.
The 9 artists contracted to perform at the Orange Africa Cup
of Nations SOUTH AFRICA 2013 Opening Ceremony,
are ‘The Songbird of Wassoulou’
Grammy Award winner, Oumou Sangare
of Mali , South African vocalists Judith Sephuma, Lira, Siphokazi and Ayanda Nhlangothi, Kenya’s artist-activist Eric Wainana, South African Afurukan
– a spoken word artist, and South
Africa’s very own musical treasures - Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, and crooner, Ringo Madlingozi.
“Producing an opening
ceremony for Africa’s largest soccer spectacular is nothing short of a thrill,”
enthuses Hlubi Kwebulana, VWV event producer “And working with artists of
this calibre is definitely a highlight! The commitment, focus and creativity
each artist brought to the project, and
the way they bought into our vision of the Opening Ceremony – they’ve
been a complete joy to work with! They’re definitely going to blow everyone
away!”
Representing different parts of the African continent that
ultimately come together in a show of African pride and unity, the artists are
certainly excited about their participation…
“My music and artistry
represents Africa – everything I do musically is a reflection of my roots, and
my reality as an African. That’s why I’m so proud to be a part of this ceremony
– the creative concept affirms my pride in being an African.” Comments
Oumou Sangare “I’ve played on stages worldwide, and it feels so good to be part of an
African celebration, performing in front of a huge African audience – it’s
going to be an unforgettable day!”
Wordsmith Afurakan is excited about the spoken-word flavor
he’ll be bringing to the performance “A
performance like this is a dream
project!” he enthuses “A gathering of
Africans, the best of our soccer talent, an incredible roster of African
artists, and a mind-blowing show – as the only spoken-word artist who’s a part
of this collective of artists, it’s a real honour to be involved.”
Ringo’s excitement about performing right before the
tournament’s kick-off is palpable “Like
any self-respecting African, I’m a real soccer enthusiast, so being part of the
Orange Africa Cup of Nations SOUTH AFRICA 2013 Opening Ceremony is a huge honour!” he exclaims. “The creative treatment on this ceremony is fantastic; a beautiful
representation of our continent’s many faces. I can’t wait for everyone to
finally watch everything we’ve been working so hard on – they’ll be amazed!”
Award-winning artist Lira says “The year has only started, and already I’m having such an incredible
time. This is my favourite kind of celebration, collaborating with an A-list
roster of artists from around the continent, and being a part of Africa’s most
prestigious soccer tournament! Watch out
everyone – Saturday, 19th of Jan is going to ROCK!”
Eric Wainana comments “The
ceremony is definitely going to be Africa’s party of the year! All eyes are going to be on the National
Stadium, and it feels great to be part of this spectacle! Being part of a
production of this magnitude is an artists’ dream – and when it happens in
front of a huge African audience, it’s priceless! Afcon represents a great
opportunity for Africans to unite in their love for the beautiful game, as the
ceremony will demonstrate. I can’t wait
to everyone to see it!”
No less excited is vocalist Ayanda Nhlangothi “I love working on large productions that
tell a great story – and this one’s right up there with them!” she says. “Being able to collaborate with artists I
have so much respect for, in telling a quintessentially African story – it’s
been an amazing experience”
One
of South Africa’s most beloved sons, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse will also be part
of the celebrations. “Africa celebrates’
it’s own – proud and victorious.” He muses. I am – we are – One in the
name of this glorious, beautiful game – it’s bound to be explosive, I can
hardly wait!”
Vocalist
Siphokazi is equally thrilled to be participating, commenting that “Since my career began, I’ve been fortunate
enough to travel to different countries on our beautiful continent, sharing the
sounds of South Africa with them – I can’t wait to play host to my fellow
African artists here, as part of a show that’s all about African pride and
unity!”
Judith
Sephuma comments “This is the best way to
start the new year! The audience is going to love what the team’s put together
for them in the Opening Ceremony – a true African story! Definitely one for the
books!”
A
fitting kick-off to the highly anticipated tournament, the ceremony’s been
mindful to include a mix of both established and emerging talent to form part
of the celebration –making a proud reality of the words Celebrate Africa – The Beat at
Africa’s Feet!
Notes
to Editors:
End.
Issued by Marang Setshwaelo of Dreamcatcher
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