SABC

The Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana is expected to meet the Local Organising Committee tomorrow to discuss the lack of local artists scheduled to perform at the FIFA kick-off celebration concert.

Xingwana and LOC head Danny Jordaan are expected to discuss the artists' request that 80% of those performing at the June 10 concert at Orlando Stadium should be from South Africa or Africa, department spokesperson Lisa Combrinck said in a statement.

During a meeting Xingwana held with performers yesterday, they argued the soccer tournament's artistic programme should reflect a 'holistic African experience'.

On Friday Xingwana said it was 'unacceptable' that only a handful of local artists were taking part. "It is not fair that mainly artists from outside the country and the continent should welcome our guests," she said in a statement.

The concert line-up includes international acts Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, Tinariwen and Vieux Farka TourT. The local acts are The Parlotones, BLK JKS and Vusi Mahlasela. – Sapa