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11 June 2010
Last updated at
08:06
In pictures: World Cup concert
The first World Cup to be held on the continent of Africa kicked off in style with a huge televised concert in Johannesburg on the eve of the global sporting event.
Thousands of people braved near freezing temperatures to descend on Orlando Stadium in Soweto, the country's biggest township, for an evening of music by both South African and international acts.
Colombian singer Shakira was one of the headline acts - performing the official World Cup anthem "Waka Waka (this time for Africa)" with South African group Freshly Ground.
US hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas performed a medley of their hits.
Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo, from Benin, dueted with US singer-songwriter John Legend.
Fifa President Sepp Blatter, here in a white scarf on stage with South African President Jacob Zuma, described the event as "the real kick-off", adding: "Football is not only a game. Football is connecting people."
A suitably-attired Archbishop Desmond Tutu welcomed football fans from around the world. "For Africa is the cradle of humanity, so we welcome you home," he said.
French footballer Patrick Vieira appeared on stage with the World Cup - the prize the 32 national teams will be fighting for in the coming days.
But Friday's opening ceremony has been overshadowed by news that the 13-year-old great-granddaughter of Nelson Mandela died in a car crash on her way home from the concert.
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