Vocalists Alicia Keys and John Legend have been announced as performers at the World Cup kickoff concert in Johannesburg, South Africa. The show is June 10, the day before opening match of the month-long tournament to determine the world’s best soccer team.

Also performing on June 10 will be Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas.

The concert will also include a strong African presence, with South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela and rock bands BLK JKS and The Parlotones. Also scheduled is the duo of Amadou & Mariam from the African country of Mali.

Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall will produce the concert at Soweto’s Orlando Stadium. The concert will celebrate the unifying power of soccer and music.

The U.S. opens against England on June 12, the teams’ first World Cup matchup since the Americans’ 1-0 victory at the 1950 tournament in Brazil.

The year’s World Cup marks the first time that a country in Africa has hosted the tournament during its 80-year history.

(Smooth Jazz Network)

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