Pop stars to play World Cup show

Music superstars Black Eyed Peas and Shakira have been lined up to play at a special concert on the eve of the World Cup. They are among scores of other musicians who have agreed to perform at the event on June 10th.

Alicia Keys, Benin-born diva Angelique Kidjo, Amadou and Mariam from Mali and South African group the Parlotone will also play at the concert.

The show will take place in South Africa's biggest black township Soweto, and will be broadcast live across the globe.

It's being billed as the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa and apart from famous musicians, it will also feature appearances by football legends past and present and celebrities from other fields.

A statement on the Fifa website quotes the governing body's Secretary General Jerome Valcke as saying:

"We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa.

"It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note - of celebration," the statement continued.

The organisers say the tickets for the concert are on sale from Wednesday.