The Black Eyed Peas seemed like a fitting choice to headline the World Cup Kick-Off Concert in Johannesburg last night. They are the biggest band in the world right now and they have and international membership, with three members from the United States and Apl.De.Ap from the Philippines. Also one of their members, Taboo, is the perfect metaphor for multi-nationalism, with heritage that links him to Mexico, Ireland, Asia, and Native-American. Other American artists at the event included Alicia Keyes and John Legend.
Shakira also preformed, representing Columbia, a country that is not in the tournament but still contributed music. Also from Columbia there was a rock musician, Juanes, who is not known well in the united States but has sold 15 million records worldwide. There were also South African musicians and poets reminding the world of South Africa's difficult past with apartheid and where they have come since then.
This morning I heard a report from Nelson Mandela Square in front of an 18 foot statue of Mandela there were Mariachi bands from Mexico playing. They were getting Mexican fans excited for the first game of the tournament between South Africa and Mexico. I can only imagine that with each game being played more and more international music will be brought to South Africa.
Also, if you read this blog often you will already know that one of my favorites, Somali rapper K'Naan, has had his song "Waving Flag" chosen as a theme song for the 2010 World Cup. While most people are probably excited for the games taking place, I think I may be more excited to hear the music being played.
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