Tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations’ opening ceremony, which will be broadcast to a global TV audience estimated at one billion, is clearly a celebration of the continent’s promise.
Yesterday’s dress rehearsals at the 94 000-seater Soccer City suggest a continent aware of its social ills – but even more vitally, its beauty and abundant resources.
It will be about facing up to these ills, and overcoming them collectively, to compete globally.
There will be a kaleidoscope of colours to reflect the continent’s diversity and a huge focus on drums, with Afcon’s accompanying theme: “Celebrate Africa – The Beat at Africa’s Feet”.
Mark Steinhobel, chairman of the VWV Group, the same agency that conceptualised the 2010 World Cup opening and closing ceremonies, appealed to football fans to come early.
The gates at the stadium open at 2pm. The opening ceremony, which is expected to last 33 minutes, starts at 4pm.
Among the performers is Sipho “Hostix” Mabuse, who will perform one of his classics. Lira will belt out a Brenda Fassie number and Siphokazi will do a call and response style choral tune. – TimesLive
