London, March 17 - Singer Alicia Keys will perform at the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa in June.

The FIFA World Cup kick-off celebration concert will open the international sports tournament the night before the first match on June 11 and will feature 12 artists, including a number of African musicians alongside mainstream pop acts, reports contactmusic.com.

'I believe these historic events will go a long way towards uniting the people of our rainbow nation in South Africa,' said former South African soccer player Lucas Radebe, who is organising the concert.

'Music and sports are the lifeblood of African culture, so to combine those in this historic event will be a true celebration of Africa,' he added.

Also performing at the concert are Shakira and Black Eyed Peas along with R'n'B singer John Legend, Mali's Amadou and Mariam, Beninoise singer Angelique Kidjo, South African rock group BLK JKS, Columbian rocker Juanes, South African indie group The Parlotones, Saharan desert musicians Tinariwen, Malian singer, guitarist Vieux Farka Toure and South African artist Vusi Mahlasela.

IANS