World Cup Concert Boycott Urged

Johannesburg, June 03, 2010 - A South African artists union is calling for a consumer boycott of the FIFA World Cup kickoff concert, saying the lineup does not include enough local talent.

The June 10 concert is headlined by international acts such as Alicia Keys, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and John Legend.

The Creative Workers of South Africa met with FIFA and concert organisers last month and reached a deal to increase the number of local artists to seven acts from three.

But union general secretary Oupa Lebogo says the group is still not satisfied.

"This is not an African event; we are telling the masses to stay away from this event," Lebogo told Agence France-Presse."We are not calling for violence or protests outside the concert venue; we just want people to stay away from it," he said.

The ticket prices are too expensive for ordinary South Africans, he added, calling the concert an "elitist event."

Nonetheless, the concert is sold out.

South African participants include: Trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Folk singer Vusi Mahlasela,  Rock acts BLK JKS and the Parlotones and the Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.

The concert takes place at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg's historic Soweto township and will be broadcast live worldwide. CBC News