The Opening ceremony is considered to be the biggest pop extravaganza in the continent’s history with 1,581 performers from around the world, including TKZee, Shakira, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas, as well as Algeria’s Khaled, Ghana’s Osibisa and Hip Hop Pantsula.
Sadly, South African opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe who died from meningitis, was scheduled to sing his recently recorded song “HOPE” at the opening ceremony.
The 34-year-old, who was chosen by Nelson Mandela to perform at the opening ceremony of the World Cup, was admitted to hospital and died on May 26.
Millions of spectators, who will be watching the launch of the games, will be able to hear Siphiwo Ntshebe’s posthumous rendition of the song.
Celebrating the life of Siphiwo Ntshebe 1974 – 20