Ultra's Brain dump What would UltraL0rd do?

Take a chill pill about the Fifa concert

I read the most straight to the point view on the Fifa Concert debate to date this morning and I thought I just had to share it

The following article was taken from tonight.co.za

By Therese Owen

Whine. Whine. Whine. Moan. Moan. Moan. South African music get over yourselves and grow the hell up. Oh, and that includes Cosatu, the Creative Workers' Union and everyone else who is complaining about the line-up for the Fifa 2010 Kick Off Concert. Like in South Korea, it is becoming more and more apparent that the World Cup is not the money-maker that we South Africans thought it would be.

Fifa is basically renting our country for this event. So, dreams of the world discovering one or many of our musicians ain't gonna happen.

The World Cup is just that - a worldwide event - which means that the opening concert must reflect worldwide music. This in turn means that the biggest artists in the world must be represented at this world wide event. Hence Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, Shakira and John Legend.

At the same time, African artists are represented in the line-up. Amadu and Miriam are two blind African musicians who are absolutely brilliant. Angelique Kidjo is an African legend. Tinarawein are a group of nomadic Touareg musicians who make the most creative blend of Muslim influences and Western rhythms.

Blk Jks are four young black South African musicians who have reinvented the scariest rock music known to humankind. It is beautiful. They are currently signed to an American label and are making a name for themselves on the local and international rock circuit.

Vusi Mahlesela is a well-known South African and African muso who has the voice of an angel. He is currently recording with the legendary producer Taj Mahal and will feature Dave Matthews on the album.

The Parlotones are one of the biggest selling local pop rock acts in the country, and with tracks like Push Me to the Floor, this group is one of the most prolific to have come out of South Africa, and indeed the continent.

Said Penny Steyn, publicist for the event: "The first batch of artists was the first talent announcement, and we have reiterated over and over again there are more talent announcements to follow."

So, we live in hope.

Now let's go to the whingers, who are the usual suspects. Whinger Number One: Doc Shebeleza - um, when was the last time he had a hit? Whinger Number Two: Sipho Hotstix Mabuse - when was the last time he had a hit? Whinger Number Three: Mzwakhe Mbuli - now if he didn't whinge, then that would make news. Whinger Number Four: 999 - when was the last time Arthur Mofake's label had a hit? 999's last release had Chomee doing covers of other South African artists, and it went absolutely nowhere.

As the saying goes, in the music industry, you're only as good as your last hit. Pop culture dictates that, and football is part of pop culture.

The four international artist are all so hot right now and are enjoying high rotation all over the world. The concert will be broadcast live to 92 countries, between 8 and 11pm. What is the bet that the international artists will be performing during that time? And rightly so. With so many choices on television just a thumb press away, Fifa has to make sure that they keep the viewer's interest.

Like it or not, the reality is that the World Cup is not about South Africa. It never has been. It is about football. We just happen to be the country hosting it.

Told you it was good

Share on Facebook