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Rein in Fifa

Left to their own devices, Fifa are likely to turn what is rightly Africa's first soccer World Cup into an all-American affair.

Left to their own devices, Fifa are likely to turn what is rightly Africa's first soccer World Cup into an all-American affair.

The precursor to the kick-off, the concert on June 10, is headlined by such international music stars as Alicia Keys, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and John Legend. Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that these acts were for a show in First World capitals such as Washington, London or Brussels - not Johannesburg.

Under-represented by what the Westerners call "a strong African presence" in South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela, compatriots LK, JKS and The Parlotones, and Malian artists Amadou and Mariam, and Tinariwen, it is a crying shame that we should still consider this "our" World Cup.

It is for this reason that we stand four-square behind the local artists who are meeting Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana today and hope she listens when they speak.

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