Proposals Invited for World Cup Opening Ceremony
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The International Cricket Council on Wednesday invited proposals from qualified companies for the event management of the 2011 World Cup opening ceremony which will be staged at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on 17th February.
"The successful company or companies will be granted the responsibilities to organise and manage the delivery of the opening ceremony of what is the third biggest sporting event in the world," the ICC said in a statement.
"This will include the development of the creative content and production of the ceremony showcasing the sporting achievements, culture and people of the host nations as well as implementing all production and stage management and management of the accredited media attending the opening ceremony," it added.
A proven track record in opening ceremony production and event management is essential along with sufficient resources and experience, the ICC said.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 15th July, it added. (SS-16/06)
Labels: ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Opening Ceremony
posted @ 12:24 PM,
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South Africa, are you ready?
Friday, June 11, 2010
South Africa, South Africa, are you ready?" Black Eyed Peas will.i.am shouted to the 30-000 strong crowd 12 minutes into the live broadcast - and from that moment, the first-ever FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert hit its stride and the pace never let up.
Dressed in glitzy military-themed costumes, Black Eyed Peas ran rapidfire through a medley of hits: "Where Is The Love," "Pump It," "Meet Me Halfway," "Boom Boom Pow," and "I Gotta Feeling" - the latter's refrain of "tonight's gonna be a good, good night" setting the tone for a rare display of stadium-sized international music talent.
The live broadcast had opened with a statement of African past and present, with veteran South African jazzman Hugh Masekela segueing from his classic "Grazing in the Grass" into the late Miriam Makeba's signature song, "Pata Pata" - this time featuring young Afro-soul multi-award winner, Lira on vocals.
The potency of Africa's talent was plain to see: whether it was Benin's Angelique Kidjo in full vocal throttle on the "Malaika/Afrika" medley with Grammy Award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, Mali's Amadou & Mariam's transporting "Welcome To Mali," and "Africa", the intoxicating sound of Mali's desert Blues outfit, Tinariwen, South Africa's Afro-folk favourite Vusi Mahlasela, previously unannounced South African kwaito (township house) hitmakers Big Nuz and DJ Tira, The Parlotones' full-throttle rock or the deft guitarwork of Mali's Vieux Farka Toure, Africa claimed the spotlight with passion, energy and no small amount of talent.
But it was the collaborations that really stole the hearts of the crowd: among the raft of pair-ups was Alicia Keys and swampy South African art-rock outfit BLK JKS in a version of the late Brenda Fassie's decade-old hit song "Too Late For Mama", and John Legend riffing off Kidjo before heading off into several of his hit songs including "Green Light."
Thankfully, appearances by dignitaries - including FIFA president Sebb Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma - were kept to a minimum, with more time given over to 1GOAL, the global education program to provide education for 72 million children around the world. 91-year-old former President, Nelson Mandela, was saving his energy for Friday's opening match between South African and Brazil at Soccer City (Soweto), but the mainly South African-flag waving crowd were delighted to see another of the country's Nobel Peace Prize winners on stage. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who still stays in his township house near the stadium when he's in Joburg, joked he was only there to give the crowd "time to rest." Dressed head-to-toe in the colors of the national South African football team, the peace activist said "You can feel it. You can touch it," before welcoming the world in multiple languages and getting the crowd to join in praising Mandela.
The international artists wore their support for Africa boldly: Juanes sported an Adidas jacket in the colors of the South African flag for his set which included a collabo with BEP's Taboo. Alicia Keys exhorted the crowd not to "forget to love each other," and then plunged into "No One." "Johannesburg it's such a beautiful night today," she said before introducing BLK JKS. "It's our moment," cried rapper K'Naan, clutching a Somalian flag - his version of "Wavin' Flag" (Celebration Mix) a show highlight that caused a riot of multi-colooured flag waving in the crowd.
Shakira provided the show's crowning moment, the Colombian singer launching first into "She Wolf" before delivering a show-stopping performance of "Hips Don't Lie" with South African hip-hop artist Tumi Molekane who had performed earlier in the evening as part of the pre-broadcast show. And when the first notes of the official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song, "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" were heard and Shakira's South African collaborators - Afro-pop outfit Freshlyground - appeared, the crowd erupted into an unceasing cry of delight. "Ngiyabonga Mzansi," ("thankyou South Africa") Shakira said in closing.
After that, all that was left to do was for the performers to gather on stage to jointly (and loosely!) sing "Everyday People". The Sly & The Family Stone song makes a heartfelt plea for peace and equality and proved a fine end to a night of global football and music unity.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert was available in the U.S. (and other international territories) as a live stream on vevo.com and it was broadcast by Univision. The concert will air in primetime on ABC, Friday, June 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. #
Labels: Opening Ceremony
posted @ 9:12 AM,
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World Cup Begins in Colour and Rhythm
The South Africa 2010 party got under way in style last night with a joyous, colourful and truly African FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Celebration Concert in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Held in the football heartland that is Orlando Stadium, home of iconic club side Orlando Pirates, the concert featured a host of stars including Shakira, Alicia Keys, K'Naan and the Black Eyed Peas. A wide variety of acts took to the stage but the abiding theme was one of celebration for the African continent with the event broadcast across the world.
The countdown clock introducing the three-hour extravaganza finally hit zero and with it came a cacophonous roar as seemingly thousands of South Africa flags were lifted aloft creating an ocean of colour among the estimated 30,000 in attendance. Joining the countless Rainbow Nation colours were a broad cross-section of national flags representing every corner of the globe, as the many visitors in attendance took the opportunity to enjoy Africa’s impressive ability to turn on a party.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma jointly opened the concert after the early acts. As the evening progressed a cavalcade of football stars took to the stage between performances including former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, Christian Karembeu, Quinton Fortune, Socrates and Jay Jay Okacha. Another joyous presenter was Archbishop Desmond Tutu decked out in Bafana Bafana supporter gear and who introduced a video presentation on Nelson Mandela with trademark enthusiasm.
The large crowd rarely dropped their energy levels and their infectious enthusiasm was palpable. "I have been to a lot of concerts but I have never been to a concert like this," said ebullient Johannesburg resident Khensami Majola, just as K'Naan took to the stage to perform his poignant song 'Wavin Flag'. "It is amazing fun, we are having a huge jam. It is a perfect presentation of Africa – north, south, east and west." The concert drew to a spectacular conclusion with Colombian pop princess Shakira in impressive form. She was joined on stage by Freshlyground for a rendition of 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', the Official FIFA World Cup theme.
Another proud concert-goer was Soweto local William Oosthuizen who spoke with pride as he took a rare break from dancing. "I am very proud and I am enjoying this immensely,” he said. “Beauty in the heart of Soweto. This is what Africa is all about. Sport has a unifying factor and it’s all about people enjoying themselves." #
Labels: Opening Ceremony
posted @ 9:01 AM,
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FIFA Congress Opening Ceremony
Artists perform during the FIFA Congress Opening Ceremony at the Gallagher Convention Centre on June 9, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
Labels: Opening Ceremony
posted @ 8:54 AM,
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Opening Ceremony of FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
South Africa has a golden opportunity to host The 2010 Fifa (Soccer/football) World Cup and showcase uniqueness about the country. South Africa is a beautiful country, it is also known for its diverse culture, religion and language. South Africa is famous for its scenic beauty, lofty mountains and beautiful beaches. South Africa is now gearing up with the arrangements to prove itself as a perfect host for the most prestigious tournament and make it a lifetime experience not only for its country but for the thousands of people visiting the country. Hosting World cup is a counted as a National Pride and unity.
Johannesburg which is also known as Joburg, it is also considered as the city of gold and is honoured to host greatest event which would prove to be a landmark in the history of city. Johannesburg will host the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Fifa World Cup (soccer/football) 2010 along with the starting and the final match would be organised in the city itself and some preliminary and quarter final matches too.
Being the most prestigious event Johannesburg is all set to provide the best platform for the event. Johannesburg is the working hard to meet the requirements of Fifa like transport, accommodation, security. Johannesburg is all set to outshine the standards developed by the previous host cities and with full warmth and generosity welcomes everyone to experience the African culture.
Though nothing have been disclosed about the event being performed at the opening ceremony, but it is to be believed that it would symbolise the African culture, preparations are on for the ceremony. The special firework arrangements are being done to make the vent a breathtaking and a memorable one .Also the selection of Soccer cheerleaders are also on .No Doubt Soccer girls and boys are going to enjoy this event.
South Africa the host of the most prestigious event and Johannesburg is playing as a key host for the Fifa soccer /football 2010 world cup.
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Labels: Opening Ceremony
posted @ 7:22 PM,
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