THOSE advocating more consultation with and greater participation by South African musicians and a wider South African and African flavour to the Fifa World Cup 2010 kickoff concert are disingenuous to say the least.

This culture of entitlement threatens to stifle the development, growth and showcasing of genuine black talent and skills in the festival. The lineup includes no less than four South African artists, international stars such as Alicia Keys and John Legend and some artists from the African continent.

When are we black South Africans going to stop crying foul and seeking easy ways to glory? When are we going to start developing our talents and skills to world standards without expecting special treatment and favours?

Why can't we compete on merit and gain international recognition based on our own talent and skills?

Are the big screamers, such as Mzwakhe Mbuli, Arthur Mafokate and their ilk, world beaters? Is their music of international standard and flavour?

The World Cup is not South African , but an international event merely hosted by South Africa. It is a Fifa project and Fifa is a world soccer body that is international in character and form. We must respect that. I t is only in the opening and closing ceremonies that a host nation's arts are given prominence.

Our artists ought to up their game and compete with the likes of Legend, not through the back door and entitlement, but through good music of an international standard. Their music can remain local in content and-or language, but they can give it an international dimension of style like Angelique Kidjo.

Mahlomola Khumalo, Tshwane