Shakira arrives in South Africa for biggest gig of her life at the World Cup opening ceremony

Pop superstar Shakira has arrived in South Africa ahead of the start of the World Cup.
The Colombian singer looked happy and relaxed, wearing jeans, heels and a leather jacket, as she arrived at the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
The 33-year-old is in South Africa to perform the official World Cup song, Waka Waka, at the Kick-Off Celebration concert in Soweto on Thursday, the eve of the opening match of the tournament.

Arrival: Shakira arrives in South Africa to perform at the Kick-Off Celebration Concert on Thursday ahead of the start of the World Cup

Glowing: The Colombian singer looked happy and relaxed after her flight

And her arrival today caused a bit of a stir in the host country, with police and security officials forced to battle to keep Shakira safe from the crowds of fans who were also at the airport to welcome Germany's football team.
Speaking about her decision to perform the official tournament song, Shakira said: 'The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion.
'It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that's what this song is about.'

Protective: Shakira was protected by policemen to keep away the eager fans

Mobbed: Despite the amount of fans keen to catch a sight of her, Shakira appeared unfazed by the attention

She added: 'This song is a synthesis of the passion for soccer and what it arouses in people.'
Other stars to perform at the Kick-Off concert on Friday include Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, the Parlotones, Hugh Masekela and Freshlyground.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said: '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.'

Busy lady: Shakira had performed at the Rock in Rio festival in Madrid, Spain, over the weekend

However, excitement about the World Cup in South Africa is tainted with sadness, after the tragic news of the death of South African singer Siphiwo Ntshebe.
Ntshebe, who was dubbed the 'Black Pavarotti', had been due to perform at the opening ceremony on Friday after being chosen by President Nelson Mandela to sing his signature anthem Hope.
He died on May 26, just a fortnight before he had been due to sing in front of two billion people.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa kicks off on Friday, with the opening match to be played by South Africa and Mexico.
Coverage of the match, which kicks off at 3pm, will start at 2.30pm on ITV1.