Fifa, football’s world governing body, is set to unveil plans which will see a Live-8 style event take place on the eve of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The three-hour event will feature a mix of global superstars such as Beyonc, Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas as well as popular African artists.


Jay-Z And Beyonce To Perform At Live-8 Style Concert On Eve Of 2010 World Cup

Singer Diana Ross memorably fluffed her lines at the 1994 World Cup when she failed to convert a penalty and the concert is seen as a shift away from the flag-waving era towards a more youthful market. The Fifa-sanctioned event will take place at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Fifa has contracted Kevin Wall, who has been responsible for live collaborations with Madonna and Michael Jackson, to produce the events, which have been billed as the “greatest entertainment event to date on the African continent”.

Wall said: “We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through this international event, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable experience of which all will want to be a part.”

Meanwhile, Beyonc and Aerosmith are set to headline concerts at the first ever Formula One race in Abu Dhabi. The performers will open and close the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend next month.