In true African style, a galaxy of local and international stars will usher in the 2010 Fifa World Cup with colourful song and dance at the majestic Soccer City Stadium on Friday.

US R&B icon R Kelly headlines an impressive line-up of artists billed to perform at the opening ceremony.

Also on the bill is Nigerian sensation Femi Kuti, local hip-hop star Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) and comeback kids TKZee.

The rest of the line- up includes Khaled (Algeria), Osibisa (Ghana) and vocalist Timothy Moloi, who replaces Simphiwo Ntshebe.

Ntshebe died last week after contracting pneumonia. Organisers say a tribute in honour of the Port Elizabeth tenor will be part of Friday’s ceremony.

Kelly is scheduled to perform the 2010 World Cup anthem Sign of a Victory with the Soweto Spiritual Choir.

The ceremony will also feature the music of legends Hugh Masekela, Chicco and Letta Mbulu.

“The Department of Arts and Culture played a major role in ensuring that the ceremony will be a showcase of South African and African talent and we’re happy this will be the case,” says minister Lulu Xingwana.

Her department played a major role in securing the artists for the opening ceremony, particularly artists from the African continent.

“The opening ceremony features a great line-up of South African and African giants of the music and entertainment industry, and will showcase to a worldwide audience of millions the talent, creativity, technology and welcoming spirit and hospitality of the African continent,” says LOC CEO Danny Jordaan.

In addition to the more than 90000 fans who will pack a now sold-out Soccer City for the historic pipe-opener between South Africa and Mexico, the ceremony will also be broadcast live to millions of fans in over 215 countries.

Attending the opening ceremony will be more than 50 heads of state, who were personally invited by President Jacob Zuma.

The gates will open at 10am, with the countdown to the opening ceremony scheduled for 2pm.