As the Orange Africa Cup of Nations SOUTH AFRICA 2013 delivers one thrilling game after another, the production team behind the Closing Ceremony are adding the final touches to the concluding celebration of the soccer spectacular. Keeping to the tournament theme, Celebrate Africa –The Beat at Africa’s Feet!, the Closing Ceremony will show off a more contemporary side to the continent, complete with urban vistas, cityscapes and high-energy performances.
The ceremony, which is being held at the National Stadium, will commence at 18h45 on Sunday, 10th of February. Gates open at 16h00. “The closing ceremony’s an exciting continuum of the work we did at the Opening, but with it’s own identity and feel” explains Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013 Lebo Hlatshwayo Events & Ceremonies Manager “ The performances, the dance routines have a really high-octane energy feel to them, an appropriate conclusion to a really dramatic tournament – the crowd is definitely going to love it!“
In keeping with the contemporary feel, the Closing Ceremony is replete with images of the city, and promises to be a celebration brimming with music and dance. Urban South Africa comes to life on the field, with features such as minibus taxi’s, metal garbage bins, traffic lights, crates and brooms, being used as accessories. The dance routines are high-energy, and set to throbbing urban beats, invoking a contemporary interpretation of ‘The Beat at Africa’s Feet’
“This tournament has started 2013 off on an invigorating note for the entire African continent” comments Mvuzo Mbebe, CEO of the Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013 . “The Opening and Closing Ceremonies are an important part of delivering that vibe, that energy. We’re really proud of the effort that the production team, the crew, the performers and the interns have put into the ceremony. We also owe thanks to the Department of Arts & Culture for their financial and cultural support. As a result of this collective effort, the Closing Ceremony is a real African celebration, a great tribute to ‘The Beautiful Game’, and most importantly, a fitting way to end what’s been an incredible tournament!”