Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Africa's culture minister said Thursday she would like to see more African artists in the World Cup kick-off concert, two days after meeting with local musicians upset over the line-up.
South Africa will kick off the June 11-July 11 tournament with a massive concert at Johannesburg's Orlando Stadium scheduled to include Alicia Keys, Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas, among others.
Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana met with World Cup organisers and local artists' representatives Thursday to discuss making more space for homegrown talent in the June 10 programme.
"We're not saying we don't want people from other parts of the world," Xingwana told SABC television after the meeting.
"We're simply saying we'd like to see more African and South African participation."
Xingwana heard complaints Tuesday from a group of South African musicians who voiced their frustration over the concert's line-up, which currently features nine international acts and three local ones.
Thursday's closed-door meeting included Danny Jordaan, CEO of the World Cup organising committee, and local artists' representatives, including the president and secretary-general of the Creative Workers Union of South Africa.
The culture ministry said in a press release that Jordaan would meet with FIFA officials in two weeks' time to address the artists' concerns.
SABC reported that South African officials have asked FIFA to delay announcing further additions to the line-up to allow time to give the concert a more South African vibe.
jhb/br
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments