Shakira paired with South African band Freshlyground to record the official World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka Levitra Tadacip (This Time for Africa),” and the Columbian singer was on hand to perform the buoyant track during the first-ever FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert on June 10. Billboard.com reports that the global concert began with a performance by veteran South African jazzman Hugh Masekela followed by a string of talented performers from Africa -such as Angelique Kidjo and Grammy Award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir-and beyond. The U.S. was represented by the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys and John Legend.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and South African president Jacob Suma addressed the 30,000 strong crowd at Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium before the music really began-and it didn’t stop until Shakira capped off the performance. Although collaborations like the pairing of Alicia Keys and South African art-rock outfit BLK JKS and John Legend and Kidjo were highlights of the concert, Shakira stole the show.

“It’s time for Africa. It’s time for Shakira!” the announcer yelled before Shakira opened her set with her infectious song “She Wolf.” “Hips Don’t Lie” came next, with South African hip-hop artist Tumi Molekane joining Shakira for song. Afro-pop act Freshlyground mounted the stage next as the first notes of “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” sounded.

When the Cameroonian cover song ended, Shakira said “Ngiyabonga Mzansi” (“Thank you South Africa”) before all the performers flooded the stage to perform Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People.” The image of global musical solidarity was enhanced as fireworks lit up the sky and confetti rained down on those in attendance for the concert. The concert streamed live on vevo.com and aired on primetime on ABC on June 11.

30,000-plus may seem like a lot, but not for Shakira! The Columbian powerhouse performed for a crowd of 85,000 at the Rock in Rio Madrid Music Festival on June 5, reports Billboard.com. The show was one of the biggest concerts of Shakira’s career and saw the Grammy winner performing on the main stage of the specially built “Rock City” at Arganda del Rey outside of Madrid. After performing three of her biggest Spanish-language hits-“Ojos,” “Te Dejo Madrid” and “La Tortura”-the bilingual singer told the audience, “Spain, thank you for making me feel at home. Thank you for real. You have no idea how much I love you.”

Fans of Shakira don’t have to travel halfway across the globe to see the singer perform though, as she will be back in North America on tour in September. Shakira will embark upon her 2010 North American tour on Sept. 17 in Uncasville, Conn. and continue on to cities like Atlantic City, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Miami, Fla.; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; San Diego, Calif.; Oakland, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif. and more through late October.

Head online for Shakira tickets to see the singer when her global trek weaves its way throughout North America. Shakira’s tour is in support of her most recent album, 2009’s She Wolf, which is the singer’s third English-language album.

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Category: Music
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