Jimmy Dludlu joins opening line-up at FIFA Fan Fest
Jimmy Dludlu. Photo courtesy André-Pierre
Popular Afro-Jazz musician, Jimmy Dludlu, has been added to the line-up for the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ at the Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest at the Grand Parade, on June 11. Jimmy, a South African Music Award winner, who has worked with South African greats including Hugh Masekela, is always a crowd-pleaser, with buoyant melodies and solid rhythm lending a party air to many of his celebrated live performances.
Jimmy will be joined by a wide range of performers representing a rainbow of South African talent. Look out for chart-topping duo Goldfish, R&B award-winning artist, Loyiso, renowned jazz band Robbie Jansen and Friends, urban-pop group Gang of Instrumentals, pop and R&B artist, Danny K, dance and pop outfit The Rockets and premier bands Freshly Ground, Prime Circle and Flat Stanley.
That’s quite an impressive line-up, considering it’s for free.
Joining the headline acts on stage will be the finalists from an audition process conducted throughout the city, which culminated in a final performance at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World’s Grand Arena earlier this month. The auditions attracted more than 3 000 entrants, from imbongis to jugglers, magicians, rappers, rock bands, opera singers, drummers and dancers. The line-up included 246 acts and 1 280 individual performers from across the city. Judges finally selected 162 to represent the city.
According to Shameel Ho-Kim, a 2010 World Cup project co-ordinator for the City of Cape Town, “The finalists are all cultural ambassadors for our city who will be given the opportunity to perform for the world. Visitors from almost every nation will be at the fan fest to see them on stage and we are confident they’ll do us proud.”
And don’t forget the real reason we’re converging … All the tournament games, including the opening game, will be aired on a 74m2 state-of-the-art screen. Food and refreshment kiosks will offer a taste of traditional Cape Town and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks will be on offer. Wine and beer will be available for sale to visitors over the age of 18.
