JOHANNESBURG, (AFP) — Organisers released new details on the World Cup kick-off concert and opening ceremony yesterday, saying the events would both have a distinctly African vibe.

“This concert is not only a tribute to the World Cup event’s beginning, but it’s also a tribute to African music,” said Kevin Wall, producer of Thursday’s kick-off concert at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Wall said the concert will feature several footballers who will introduce the show’s acts –Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, K’Naan, Angelique Kidjo and other African and international artistes.

He did not give the football stars’ names, but said some would be 2010 World Cup players and some would be football icons.

Organisers also lifted a layer on the shroud of secrecy that has enveloped Friday’s opening ceremony.

The theme of the event, whose headline act is rhythm-and-blues singer R Kelly, will be “Welcoming the World Home to Africa”, said Derek Carstens of South Africa’s World Cup organising committee.

Arts and culture minister Lulu Xingwana said the opening-day festivities would have a distinctly African beat, focusing especially on the “six-pack” of African countries participating in the continent’s first World Cup.

“We’re very happy that we have the best from South Africa and the best from the African continent,” she said.

The performance will feature a cast of more than 1,500, including South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Nigerian Afro-funk star Femi Kuti and the Soweto Spiritual Singers, who will perform with Kelly.