International music stars have converged on the Johannesburg suburb of Soweto to launch the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a spectacular concert on the eve of the first match.

Among those performing were Colombian singer Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas, South African group The Parlotones, American singer-songwriter John Legend and Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo. Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie said the group met with former South African President Nelson Mandela, and noted that 20 years ago during the Apartheid era it would not have been possible to stage a World Cup tournament or global concert in South Africa.

Fergie, Singer Black Eyed Peas, said, "Well I think it's amazing because the apartheid was not long ago and, you know, Will was talking about this earlier how 20 years ago this would not have been possible in South Africa, so, it's pretty amazing that it's actually happening. And we had the brilliant chance of meeting Nelson Mandela and I have to say he flirted with me and it was one of the best moments of my life."

Local group The Parlotones said they were excited to play in front of a home crowd and such a large global audience.

Khan Morbee, Singer of The Parlotones, said, "Yeah, look, it's chaos. I think you certainly, if you are going to games, and you are going to these fan parks, you're gonna hear a hell of a lot of them (vuvuzela plastic trumpets). Take your ear blocks, or get your own and make as much noise as you can as well."

The month-long tournament the concert celebrates begins later Friday at the main Soccer City stadium just outside Soweto, with host nation South Africa taking on Mexico.

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