The vuvuzela-filled crowd packed into Soweto’s Soccer City was filled with exhilaration as Shakira took the stage for her second consecutive performance at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony. Their cheers of “Africa” echoed through the stadium, adding to the excitement of the moment.
The vibrant Colombian artist, who captivated audiences at the historic FIFA World Cup Kick-Off on June 10, sported a vibrant Roberto Cavalli ensemble as she livened up the atmosphere with her performance of “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa).” Accompanying her on stage were the talented members of Freshlyground, the South African collaborators on the official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song. Together, they created an unforgettable spectacle that left the crowd in awe.
“Waka Waka,” featured in “The Official 2010 Fifa World Cup Album” by Sony, has established its status as a legitimate music sensation, receiving recognition in more than 15 countries and accumulating an impressive 87 million views on YouTube. Zolani Mahola, the lead singer of Freshlyground, and guitarist Julio Sigauque played a pivotal role in infusing “Waka Waka” with a distinctive southern African vibe during Shakira’s electrifying performance prior to the Netherlands-Spain final match. Ultimately, Spain emerged as the victorious team with a 1-0 win in extra time.
The closing ceremony was made even more special by the captivating performance of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a renowned band that has won multiple Grammy awards. They managed to infuse the essence of the host country into their music, creating a truly distinctive sonic experience. The harmonious melodies of their a cappella singing beautifully complemented the mesmerizing sight of mechanized elephants moving in a procession, as if quenching their thirst from a visually stunning wetland created right on the field.
Adding to the spectacle of dancing and mesmerizing visuals was an array of South African talents, such as Stoan Seate from the renowned Bongo Maffin group. Notably, the dancers even formed a colossal vuvuzela while proudly displaying the words “For Africa.”
The musical legacy of South Africa was celebrated with a delightful nod as the stage belonged to the talented Abigail Kubeka, an esteemed singer who once shared the limelight with the iconic Miriam Makeba. Kubeka’s Afro jazz-infused performance showcased the harmonious collaboration with Theo Kgosinkwe from the popular contemporary Afro-pop band Mafikizolo.
The collaborative song “Everywhere You Go” featuring multiple artists did not attain great success. The performance by Jozi, Slikour, Zuluboy from South Africa, alongside 2Face from Nigeria and Samini from Ghana, at Soccer City lacked the same impact as the other performances during the closing event. This particular song was created specifically for the South African sponsors of the contest, MTN, and it included the vocals of Kelly Rowland, which were released digitally.
The closing ceremony of the tournament was truly remarkable, with over 700 performers captivating the audience through their mesmerizing dance routines and visually stunning set pieces. It was an unforgettable experience as they recounted the most memorable moments of the month-long tournament. Adding to the excitement, former President Nelson Mandela, who had unfortunately missed the opening event due to the tragic loss of his great-grand-daughter in a car accident, made a brief appearance on the pitch in a motorized vehicle. The crowd was filled with adoration and appreciation for Mandela, making this closing ceremony one of the most unforgettable in recent times.
The grand finale was aired to more than 215 nations, captivating a staggering global audience of over 500 million people through television broadcasts.
