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KELLY RARING TO GO

READY: R&B Superstar R Kelly will perform with TKZee at World Cup opening ceremony. PIC: PUXLEY MAKGATHO. 06/06/2010. © Unknown.
READY: R&B Superstar R Kelly will perform with TKZee at World Cup opening ceremony. PIC: PUXLEY MAKGATHO. 06/06/2010. © Unknown.

American R&B superstar R Kelly declared yesterday: "This is my World Cup."

American R&B superstar R Kelly declared yesterday: "This is my World Cup."

He also emphatically tipped Bafana Bafana to go all the way, even to win the Cup, "if only they believe".

The critically and commercially acclaimed singer, songwriter and record producer arrived in the country on Saturday. He has collaborated with the Soweto Spiritual Singers to sing Sign of a Victory, the official 2101 World Cup anthem.

Kelly said he was "so committed" to making the theme song he actually spent a month locked in his Chicago studio creating the song he will perform as part of a 1581-strong contingent at Friday's opening ceremony.

Kelly, 41, real name Robert Sylvester Kelly, decorated his studio with African-inspired attire and wouldn't allow anyone in who didn't adhere to the dress code.

Dressed in a blue army-inspired shirt, black jeans and trademark sunglasses, Kelly arrived at Rosebank's Grace Hotel. He told journalists: "Anyone who didn't wear anything resembling African clothing wouldn't dare step into my studio.

"I really wanted to get into the [African] mood, so I got books about Africa and football. I believe in doing research on a project this big."

The multiple Grammy-winning sensation is called this generation's own Marvin Gaye.

Kelly says he now has a greater respect for soccer because of the World Cup .

Kelly will perform his song at the opening ceremony with kwaito royalty,TKZee.

Shakira arrives this morning. The Columbian singer has been criticised for her rendition of Waka Waka, the official World Cup song.

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