NEW YORK May 26, 2010 – In VEVO’s first foray into live music streaming on a global scale, the web’s leading premium music video and entertainment service will webcast the FIFA WORLD CUP™ KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT live on June 10 from Soweto/Johannesburg, South Africa. The event, executive-produced by Kevin Wall and his company, Control Room, the world’s leading creative force behind global music events, will feature performances from Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela, in addition to other international superstars, and will be exclusively available on demand afterwards. Additionally, VEVO has partnered with 1GOAL, which is co-chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan and is leveraging the FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert as a global communications platform to mobilize public support to hold governments to their promises to enable every child to receive a classroom education by 2015.

The announcements were made today by Rio Caraeff (President and CEO, VEVO).

At 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+2)/2:00 p.m. EST on June 10, VEVO, the Licensed Broadcaster of the FIFA WORLD CUP™ KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, will webcast the entire celebration concert in high definition live from the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium. Featuring the biggest names in music, the historic event will take place on the eve of the internationally-anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. VEVO will live stream the concert around the globe with the exception of Germany and select European countries.

Following the live high definition webcast on VEVO.com, the concert will be available for on-demand streaming across the entire VEVO Network including VEVO.com and the VEVO channel on YouTube. Additionally, exclusive programming from the performers and behind-the-scenes video will be featured across the VEVO Network May 26-July 10.

VEVO’s involvement solidifies its partnership with 1GOAL, the global education program launched by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, to provide education for 72 million children around the world. The campaign asks world leaders to fulfill their education pledges and live up to their financial promises to provide education to every child by 2015 (UN Millennium Development Goals). 1GOAL has targeted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a global event reaching hundreds of millions of households, to ask fans to sign a petition which will be presented to world leaders. VEVO, a supporter of 1GOAL since the video service launched in December, will harness its worldwide traffic (VEVO delivers over 750 million global streams per month) to drive awareness to the 1GOAL campaign and encourage music fans to sign the petition.

“VEVO is very proud to be a FIFA WORLD CUP™ KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT Licensed Broadcaster and bring the concert live to music fans around the globe,” said Caraeff. “Live music events are a focus of VEVO’s overall vision and I can’t think of a better way to kick off our summer programming than with the concert, a massive event on a global scale.”

Caraeff added: “We at VEVO are committed to raise the global consciousness level about one of the world’s great injustices into our participation in this event through Her Majesty Queen Rania and the 1GOAL campaign. It is so important, as eyes around the world are pointed to a global entertainment event such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, that we use VEVO to mobilize this audience and make sure 72 million children are not lacking the basic education they need to lead successful lives.”

“We are thrilled to have VEVO broadcasting this concert live online to people around the globe,” said Kevin Wall, CEO, Control Room. “Control Room has created a concert that showcases the sights and sounds of Africa through amazing performances of international and African superstars, as well as special appearances by football legends past and present, to make this a must-see music event.”

Watch the FIFA WORLD CUP™ KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT live June 10 at 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+2)/2:00 p.m. EST on VEVO and access exclusive programming and archived performances as well as music videos from this year’s performing artists May 26-July 10 at worldcup.vevo.com. On-demand streaming of the concert begins across the VEVO Network following the live event with all other music programming available May 26-July 10.

Music fans can learn more about illiteracy and sign the 1Goal petition on 1Goal’s VEVO channel vevo.com/channel/1goal/105 or on 1Goal’s website join1goal.org.

About VEVO
VEVO is the web’s number one premium music video and entertainment service with over 750 million worldwide streams and more than 50 million unique visitors in the U.S. and Canada each month. VEVO’s programming is made available across the VEVO Network, which includes VEVO.com (the service’s marquee destination site), on YouTube through a VEVO-branded channel, and through a VEVO-branded embedded player. The service also serves as a syndication platform for additional internet destination sites, including AOL and CBS Interactive Music Group, expanding the reach of the VEVO Network across the worldwide web.

VEVO was created in partnership by Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment (SME) and the Abu Dhabi Media Company. It is operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit.

Explore VEVO at vevo.com. Journalists/Bloggers can stay updated on VEVO news at twitter.com/VEVO_Media.

About 1GOAL
1GOAL is an initiative to mobilize support to hold world leaders to these promises for 2015 and is run by the Global Campaign for Education and is part of a large global education initiative. It is backed by some of the biggest names in football such as Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro del Piero, Eusebio and Sir Bobby Charlton and at this year’s FIFA World Cup a summit will take place where Heads of State will pledge their support for further funding for education to ensure the 72 million children currently out of school can receive an education.

About Control Room
Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and co-executive producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world’s leading producer of massive global events leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences around the world.  Through a combination of expertise – event production, television production, media architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision – Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.

Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment.  The company has built long-standing business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production in countries in every region of the world.  Since 2005, Control Room has illustrated a history of measurable results through a comprehensive body of work including more than 100 live events ranging from single-artist concerts to worldwide movements.

# # #

CONTACT:
Jennifer L. Press
VEVO
212-331-2226 tel.
jennifer.press@vevo.com

Kristen Whisenand
OutCast PR (for VEVO)
415-345-4751 tel.
kristen@outcastpr.com

ESPN Inc.’s unprecedented coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ from South Africa will kick off before the games even begin when ESPN2 broadcasts complete live coverage of the FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert from Soweto/Johannesburg on Thursday, June 10 beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

The three-hour concert, considered the biggest entertainment event to date in South Africa, celebrates the arrival of the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ on the African continent and will take place at 30,000-seat Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg. Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Shakira and Juanes will perform live on ESPN2 alongside, and in collaboration with, popular African artists, with a specially-produced highlight presentation of the concert airing in primetime on ABC, Friday, June 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

“ESPN Inc. is committed to bringing fans the most complete and entertaining coverage possible from this historic World Cup in Africa,” said Scott Guglielmino, ESPN Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions. “This concert will be a celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural history and its connection to the world, one that viewers throughout America will surely want to experience on the eve of the World Cup.”

Sal Masekela, ESPN’s 2010 FIFA World Cup human interest reporter and the co-host of The Daily 10 on E!, will be the on-site host of ESPN2’s presentation of the concert. Sal’s father, legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela, will also perform during the concert, as will the Soweto Gospel Choir, each of whom have made special musical contributions to enhance ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the World Cup.

The concert lineup also features popular African performers including Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, BLK JKS, K’Naan, Lira, Mzansi Youth Choir, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela.

The FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert is executive-produced by Kevin Wall and his company, Control Room, the leading producer of massive global music events.
“We’re thrilled the concert will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ABC because it brings this once-in-a-lifetime cultural event to audiences across the country,” said Wall. “The combination of international and African star power, along with special appearances by soccer legends past and present, ensures this is a must-see event.”

ESPN Inc.’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Coverage in the United States
South Africa 2010 will be ESPN’s seventh FIFA World Cup™ and coverage of the event promises to be the most comprehensive in company history. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will air all 64 matches live and in high definition. ESPN3.com, ESPN’s signature broadband network available in more than 50 million homes, will feature live English-language simulcasts of matches on ESPN and ESPN2. ESPN Mobile TV will show all matches. ESPN Deportes, the Spanish-language all sports network, will air more than 50 matches in Portuguese live in the U.S., and ESPN Radio will broadcast all 64 matches.

Additionally, ESPN will present 2010 FIFA World Cup (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/) television studio programming from on-site in South Africa, offering U.S. sports fans the most comprehensive news and information coverage throughout the month-long soccer showcase. Studio coverage of the quadrennial global event will include SportsCenter segments, a nightly World Cup Live program, and prematch, halftime and postmatch shows, with additional studio programming and World Cup-branded segments, totaling more than 65 hours of coverage, originating from two sets in and around Johannesburg.

For more information about ESPN Inc.’s coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, please click here.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. The company is comprised of six domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic & ESPN Deportes), ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU & ESPNEWS HD simulcast services, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (46 networks, syndication, radio, web sites), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN PPV, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN3.com (Broadband, formerly ESPN360.com), ESPN Mobile Properties, ESPN on Demand and ESPN Interactive. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

About Control Room
Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and co-executive producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world’s leading producer of massive global events leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences around the world.  Through a combination of expertise – event production, television production, media architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision – Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.

Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment.  The company has built long-standing business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production in countries in every region of the world. 

– 30 –

Media Contacts:
Chris Brienza cbrienza@coynepr.com or 212-938-0166
Aime Wolfe aime.wolfe@abc.com or 818-460-7421
Mac Nwulu mac.nwulu@espn.com or 860-766-4196  
Ehrin Cummings ecummings@controlroom.com or 310-550-3883

Performing live before the 30,000 concert attendees inside the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium from
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. local time are three-time SAMA winner Loyiso Bala, three-time SAMA nominee
Tumi Molekane, six-time SAMA nominees 340ml, well-known up-and-coming artists Kwani Experience,
and Steadyrock!, as well as radio personalities Pabi Moloi from 94.7 and Bob Mabena from KAYA FM.
The popular South African electronica duo, Goldfish, will wrap up the evening beginning their set at
11:00 p.m.

“I’m honored to be part of this historic moment in South Africa’s history to serve as hosts for the first
FIFA World Cup on the African continent and the first concert associated with the tournament,” said Lira.
“I’m thrilled to be performing on-stage with this amazing group of African, South African and international
artists – it’s sure to be one of the best music events ever in Africa.”

From its conception, event organizers envisioned the inaugural concert showcasing the rich cultural diversity
and musical heritage of South Africa. Artists selected represent current popularity and reflect the
variety of musical generations, genres, and geographies of South Africa and the African region.
“2010 will mark the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa, so it seemed fitting to
celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond,” said Kevin
Wall, founder of Control Room. “We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and
geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION
CONCERT, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an
unforgettable, must-see experience.”

Public Tickets
Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert today online at
http://www.computicket.com/web/event/fifa_kick_off_celebration_concert/102900625 or via phone on
(27) 083 915 8000. Concert tickets are priced at R450 (Outer Circle standing), R650 (Inner Circle
standing), R850 & R950 (Upper Level seated), R1150 & R1400 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices
include VAT, Computicket Charges and Park and Ride for all ticket holders. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. with
live performances beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Parking and Security
A comprehensive parking and security system has been put into place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-
Off Celebration Concert.

All those attending will be able to make use of the comprehensive park & ride facilities at nearby Nasrec.
Concertgoers will then use the free bus shuttle service to and from Orlando Stadium as no parking will be
permitted at or nearby the stadium itself. A comprehensive safety and security plan will be implemented
for both Orlando Stadium and the Nasrec park & ride hub.

South African Media Partners
The concert will be broadcast live on SABC 1 on Thursday 10 June from 20:00 – 23:00.
Local South African media partners Kaya-FM, Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo are proud to be
part of this first ever FIFA WORLD CUP KICK –OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT.

Executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control Room, in
partnership with local promoter, Showtime Entertainment, the event will feature musical performances by
major international superstars and popular African artists collaborating together, along with special
appearances by past and present football legends with all proceeds to benefit “20 Centres for 2010”, the
Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and providing a communications
platform for 1Goal, an organization that aims to mobilize public support to hold governments to their
promises and enable every child to get into a classroom and receive an education by 2015. Expected to be
the greatest entertainment event to date on the African continent, the event will be televised to millions
worldwide.

For more information about the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT,
please visit www.fifa.com/concert.

About Control Room
Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and coexecutive
producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world’s leading producer of massive global events
leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences
around the world. Through a combination of expertise – event production, television production, media
architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision –
Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.

Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to
connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment. The company has built long-standing
business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production
in countries in every region of the world.

About SABC
SABC is the Official Broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, boasts 18 Radio stations and 3 television
channels. The public service broadcaster is proud to bring the 64 World Cup games live through simulcast
of Radio and Television using 11 official languages. Feel it, it is here.

The SABC reaches out to over 24 million listeners and viewers a day making it the biggest media house
in South Africa.

Furthermore the SABC as the official broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, produced the
preliminary draw, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup draw and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
tournament. On 4th December 2009 the SABC broadcasted one of the key milestones in the FIFA
calendar before the kick off of the World Cup spectacle; the FIFA Final Draw which was exclusively
produced and broadcasted by the public broadcaster.

The national broadcaster has lived up to its promise of delivering a world class broadcast, which is
entertaining and informative whilst championing the African agenda. The SABC produced a great
Television and radio production for the Final FIFA draw which was beamed to no fewer than 200
countries around the world; this marked another unprecedented milestone in the FIFA World Cup history.
In addition to that the SABC also produced the first FIFA Fan Park on Long Street. The SABC is also
the official broadcaster of the ten Fan Parks for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The national broadcaster
will also provide World cup access through the 46 Public Viewing Areas with an emphasis on rural areas.
Measurable results through a comprehensive body of work including more than 100 live events ranging
from single-artist concerts to worldwide movements.

About 94.7 HIGHVELD STEREO Joburg’s No. 1 Hit Music Station.
94.7 broadcasts on 94.7 FM in the greater Gauteng metropolitan areas to almost 1.4 million listeners who
love life and love to laugh. 94.7 targets an affluent audience, LSM 7 to 10 and age 25 – 49. The Station
plays the best hot adult contemporary music with a blend of classic hits from the 80’s to the present. The
main focus is more music and less talk, with the inclusion of the latest breaking news and sporting stories.
We simply play more of the hits that our listeners want.

Regular competitions and promotions provide entertaining, engaging radio and there is a strong emphasis
on charity and giving back. Numerous events, such as the Joburg Day music festival, which attracts
15,000 fans, and the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge which is the second biggest cycling event in the
Southern Hemisphere, provide opportunities for interaction with listeners.

About Talk Radio 702
Your No.1 News and Talk Station.
702 is an independent adult talk radio station broadcasting throughout Gauteng and surrounding areas. It
attracts an influential audience including many of the country’s business, political and community leaders.
Listeners tune in for credible news and current affairs analysis as well as the latest business, traffic and
sport stories of the day.

Experienced presenters, Eyewitness News reporters and respected correspondents keep listeners updated
on all the important stories – locally, nationally and internationally.
Although it is a commercial station, 702 is rooted in the community, and considers itself solution-driven
radio, advocating on behalf of listeners.

About KAYA FM
KAYA FM 95.9 reflects the lives of the upscale 25+ listener, living in South Africa’s most progressive and
exciting region. The station broadcasts both music and talk, and this makes it unique from other ICASA
approved licenses. KAYA FM 95.9 launched in August 1997, and was one of the first new frequencies to
be approved for private commercial radio.

KAYA FM 95.9 broadcasts on the FM frequency signal 95. (Dot) 9, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The current Listenership stands at 614 000 per average day and 1, 409 000 for the past seven days. The
music format offers a diverse mix from Adult Contemporary Music to smoother sounds like R&B, Soul
and Jazz. It also includes African Heritage Music. The music draws on the tradition of Africa, wherever
this music has had its influence; from Africa to the Caribbean and into the heart of America.

About FIFA Kick-Off Celebration Concert Charity
The official FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Celebration Concert will provide a global communications
platform for two campaigns — ‘20 Centres for 2010’ and ‘1GOAL’ — to showcase their efforts in fostering
positive social change in Africa and around the world. ‘20 Centres for 2010,’ the Official Campaign of the
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and beneficiary of proceeds from the concert on June 10, will
create 20 Football for Hope Centres for education, public health and football in disadvantaged African
communities as a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the African continent. 1GOAL is a campaign to
mobilize public support to hold governments to their promises and enable every child to get into a
classroom and receive an education by 2015. FIFA has joined the Class of 2015 and supports the 1GOAL
campaign with a pledge from FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter to leave a lasting legacy of education in
Africa and the rest of the world.

# # #

For further information please contact:
South African Media:
Penny Stein/Dionne Domyan
011 8803211
Pro-file@yebo.co.za
prwork@iafrica.com

From its conception, event organizers envisioned the inaugural concert showcasing the rich cultural diversity and musical heritage of South Africa. Artists selected represent current popularity and reflect the variety of musical generations, genres, and geographies of the country and African region. The full line-up, featuring 70 percent African artists, will be seen by millions of music and football fans worldwide through the live broadcasts.

“We wanted to have an eclectic mix of music genres to appeal to as many people as possible around the world whilst at the same time showcasing the immense home-grown talent of the host country,” said FIFA Director of TV, Niclas Ericson.

The concert will be broadcast live on SABC 1 on Thursday 10 June from 20:00 – 23:00.

South African broadcaster SABC will transmit the event live nationwide. “The South African Broadcast Corporation is proud to be the exclusive free to air broadcaster in South Africa and to be the technical co-producer to ensure this concert reaches millions of people through television and radio around the world” said SABC CEO Solly Mokoetle.

Public Tickets
Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert today online at http://www.computicket.com/web/event/fifa_kick_off_celebration_concert/102900625 or via phone on (27) 083 915 8000. Concert tickets are priced at R450 (Outer Circle standing), R650 (Inner Circle standing), R850 & R950 (Upper Level seated), R1150 & R1400 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices include VAT, Computicket Charges and Park and Ride for all ticket holders.

Parking and Security
A comprehensive parking and security system has been put into place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert.

All those attending will be able to make use of the comprehensive park & ride facilities at nearby Nasrec. Concertgoers will then use the free bus shuttle service to and from Orlando Stadium as no parking will be permitted on or nearby the stadium itself.  A comprehensive safety and security plan will be implemented for both Orlando Stadium and the Nasrec park & ride hub. 

South African Media Partners
Local South African media partners Kaya-FM, Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo are proud to be part of this first ever FIFA WORLD CUP KICK –OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT.

Executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control Room, in partnership with local promoter, Showtime Entertainment, the event will feature musical performances by major international superstars and popular African artists collaborating together, along with special appearances by past and present football legends with all proceeds to benefit “20 Centres for 2010”, the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and providing a communications platform for 1Goal, an organization that aims to mobilize public support to hold governments to their promises and enable every child to get into a classroom and receive an education by 2015. Expected to be the greatest entertainment event to date on the African continent, the event will be televised to millions worldwide.

“2010 will mark the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond,” said Kevin Wall, founder of Control Room. “We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable, must-see experience.”

For more information about the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, please visit www.fifa.com/concert.

About SABC
SABC is the Official Broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, boasts 18 Radio stations and 3 television channels. The public service broadcaster is proud to bring the 64 World Cup games live through simulcast of Radio and Television using 11 official languages. Feel it, it is here.

The SABC reaches out to over 24 million listeners and viewers a day making it the biggest media house in South Africa.

Furthermore the SABC as the official broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, produced the preliminary draw, the Confederations Cup draw and the Confederations Cup tournament. On 4th December 2009 the SABC broadcasted one of the key milestones in the FIFA calendar before the kick off of the World Cup spectacle; the FIFA Final Draw which was exclusively produced and broadcasted by the public broadcaster.

The national broadcaster has lived up to its promise of delivering a world class broadcast, which is entertaining and informative whilst championing the African agenda. The SABC produced a great Television and radio production for the Final FIFA draw which was beamed to no fewer than 200 countries around the world; this marked another unprecedented milestone in the FIFA World Cup history.

In addition to that the SABC also produced the first FIFA Fan Park on Long Street. The SABC is also the official broadcaster of the ten Fan Parks for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The national broadcaster will also provide World cup access through the 46 Public Viewing Areas with an emphasis on rural areas.

About Control Room
Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and co-executive producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world’s leading producer of massive global events leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences around the world.  Through a combination of expertise – event production, television production, media architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision – Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.

Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment.  The company has built long-standing business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production in countries in every region of the world.  Since 2005, Control Room has illustrated a history of measurable results through a comprehensive body of work including more than 100 live events ranging from single-artist concerts to worldwide movements.

About FIFA Kick-Off Celebration Concert Charity
The official FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Celebration Concert will provide a global communications platform for two campaigns — ‘20 Centres for 2010’ and ‘1GOAL’ — to showcase their efforts in fostering positive social change in Africa and around the world. ‘20 Centres for 2010,’ the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and beneficiary of proceeds from the concert on June 10, will create 20 Football for Hope Centres for education, public health and football in disadvantaged African communities as a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the African continent. 1GOAL is a campaign to mobilize public support to hold governments to their promises and enable every child to get into a classroom and receive an education by 2015. FIFA has joined the Class of 2015 and supports the 1GOAL campaign with a pledge from FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter to leave a lasting legacy of education in Africa and the rest of the world.

About 94.7 HIGHVELD STEREO Joburg’s No. 1 Hit Music Station.
94.7 broadcasts on 94.7 FM in the greater Gauteng metropolitan areas to almost 1.4 million listeners who love life and love to laugh.  94.7 targets an affluent audience, LSM 7 to 10 and age 25 – 49. The Station plays the best hot adult contemporary music with a blend of classic hits from the 80’s to the present. The main focus is more music and less talk, with the inclusion of the latest breaking news and sporting stories.  We simply play more of the hits that our listeners want.

Regular competitions and promotions provide entertaining, engaging radio and there is a strong emphasis on charity and giving back.  Numerous events, such as the Joburg Day music festival, which attracts 15,000 fans, and the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge which is the second biggest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere, provide opportunities for interaction with listeners.

About Talk Radio 702
Your No.1 News and Talk Station.

702 is an independent adult talk radio station broadcasting throughout Gauteng and surrounding areas.  It attracts an influential audience including many of the country’s business, political and community leaders. Listeners tune in for credible news and current affairs analysis as well as the latest business, traffic and sport stories of the day.

Experienced presenters, Eyewitness News reporters and respected correspondents keep listeners updated on all the important stories – locally, nationally and internationally.

Although it is a commercial station, 702 is rooted in the community, and considers itself solution-driven radio, advocating on behalf of listeners.

About KAYA FM
KAYA FM 95.9 reflects the lives of the upscale 25+ listener, living in South Africa’s most progressive and exciting region. The station broadcasts both music and talk, and this makes it unique from other ICASA approved licenses. KAYA FM 95.9 launched in August 1997, and was one of the first new frequencies to be approved for private commercial radio.

KAYA FM 95.9 broadcasts on the FM frequency signal 95. (Dot) 9, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The current Listenership stands at 614 000 per average day and 1, 409 000 for the past seven days. The music format offers a diverse mix from Adult Contemporary Music to smoother sounds like R&B, Soul and Jazz. It also includes African Heritage Music. The music draws on the tradition of Africa, wherever this music has had its influence; from Africa to the Caribbean and into the heart of America.

# # #

For further information please contact:
South African Media:
Penny Stein/Dionne Domyan
011 8803211
Pro-file@yebo.co.za
prwork@iafrica.com

US Media:
Ehrin Cummings, (310) 550-3883, ecummings@controlroom.com
Nicole Okoneski, (213) 438-8793, nokoneski@golinharris.com

European Media:
Nadine Bibi, 0207 439 7222, Nadine.bibi@ldcommunications.co.
Alex Darling, 0207 439 7222, Alex.Darling@ldcommunications.co.uk

 
“We in South Africa are blessed to be hosting two first-time events – the first FIFA World Cup held on the African continent and the first FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration concert – and I believe these historic events will go a long way towards uniting the people of our rainbow nation in South Africa as well as further strengthening our relationships with our brothers and sisters on the African continent,” said Lucas Radebe, former South African football international and participant in the Kick-off Concert. “After All, this is an African World Cup being staged in South Africa. Music and Sports are the lifeblood of African culture, so to combine those in this historic event will be a true celebration of African Culture.”

FIFA World Cup football tournament is the world’s most watched sporting event, and is staged every four years. This is the first time the FIFA World Cup is being held on the African continent, with 32 national teams from all over the world playing matches in ten South African stadiums in the hope of being crowned World Champions. The last FIFA World Cup in Germany attracted a global cumulative television audience of 26.29 billion (24.2 billion in-home and 2.1 billion out-of-home viewers).

“We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note – of celebration,” said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke.

Executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control Room, in partnership with local promoter, Showtime Entertainment, the event will feature musical performances by major international superstars and popular African artists collaborating together, along with special appearances by past and present football legends with all proceeds to benefit “20 Centres for 2010”, the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Expected to be the greatest entertainment event to date on the African continent, the event will be televised to millions worldwide.

“2010 will mark the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond,” said Kevin Wall, founder of Control Room. “We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable, must-see experience.”

Public Tickets
Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert today online at www.computicket.com or via phone on (27) 083 915 8000. Concert tickets are priced at R450 (Outer Circle standing), R650 (Inner Circle standing), R850 & R950 (Upper Level seated), R1150 & R1400 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices include VAT, Computicket Charges and Park and Ride for all ticket holders.

Parking and Security
A comprehensive parking and security system has been put into place for the 2010 FIFA Kickoff Celebration concert.

All those attending will be able to make use of the comprehensive park & ride facilities at nearby Nasrec. Concertgoers will then use the free bus shuttle service to and from Orlando Stadium as no parking will be permitted on or nearby the stadium itself. A comprehensive safety and security plan will be implemented for both Orlando Stadium and the Nasrec park & ride hub.

South African Broadcast Partners
Local South African broadcast partners Kaya-FM, Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo are proud to be part of this first ever FIFA WORLD CUP KICK –OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT.

For more information about the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, please visit www.fifa.com/concert .

About Control Room
Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and coexecutive producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world’s leading producer of massive global events leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences around the world. Through a combination of expertise – event production, television production, media architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision – Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.

Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment. The company has built long-standing business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production in countries in every region of the world. Since 2005, Control Room has illustrated a history of measurable results through a comprehensive body of work including more than 100 live events ranging from single-artist concerts to worldwide movements.

About 94.7 HIGHVELD STEREO Joburg’s No. 1 Hit Music Station.
94.7 broadcasts on 94.7 FM in the greater Gauteng metropolitan areas to almost 1.4 million listeners who love life and love to laugh. 94.7 targets an affluent audience, LSM 7 to 10 and age 25 -49. The Station plays the best hot adult contemporary music with a blend of classic hits from the 80’s to the present. The main focus is more music and less talk, with the inclusion of the latest breaking news and sporting stories.

We simply play more of the hits that our listeners want.

Regular competitions and promotions provide entertaining, engaging radio and there is a strong emphasis on charity and giving back. Numerous events, such as the Joburg Day music festival, which attracts 15,000 fans, and the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge which is the second biggest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere, provide opportunities for interaction with listeners.

About Talk Radio 702
Your No.1 News and Talk Station.

702 is an independent adult talk radio station broadcasting throughout Gauteng and surrounding areas. It attracts an influential audience including many of the country’s business, political and community leaders. Listeners tune in for credible news and current affairs analysis as well as the latest business, traffic and sport stories of the day.

Experienced presenters, Eyewitness News reporters and respected correspondents keep listeners updated on all the important stories -locally, nationally and internationally.

Although it is a commercial station, 702 is rooted in the community, and considers itself solution-driven radio, advocating on behalf of listeners.

About KAYA FM
KAYA FM 95.9 reflects the lives of the upscale 25+ listener, living in South Africa’s most progressive and exciting region. The station broadcasts both music and talk, and this makes it unique from other ICASA approved licenses. KAYA FM 95.9 launched in August 1997, and was one of the first new frequencies to be approved for private commercial radio.

KAYA FM 95.9 broadcasts on the FM frequency signal 95. (Dot) 9, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The current Listenership stands at 614 000 per average day and 1, 409 000 for the past seven days. The music format offers a diverse mix from Adult Contemporary Music to smoother sounds like R&B, Soul and Jazz. It also includes African Heritage Music. The music draws on the tradition of Africa, wherever this music has had its influence; from Africa to the Caribbean and into the heart of America.

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For further information please contact:

South African Media:
Penny Stein/Dionne Domyan 011 8803211

Pro-file@yebo.co.za

prwork@iafrica.com

US Media:
Ehrin Cummings, (310) 550-3883,ecummings@controlroom.com

Nicole Okoneski, (213) 438-8793, nokoneski@golinharris.com

European Media:
Nadine Bibi, 0207 439 7222, Nadine.bibi@ldcommunications.co.uk

Alex Darling, 0207 439 7222, Alex.Darling@ldcommunications.co.uk