R. Kelly and Soweto Spiritual Singers Set to Perform 'Sign Of A Victory' at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- FIFA and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that "Sign Of  A Victory" written and produced by R&B superstar R. Kelly has been selected as the official anthem of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.  One of three official songs for the event, the soaring ballad reflects the spirit of giving and will highlight the charitable aspect of the World Cup. R. Kelly and the Soweto Spiritual Singers will perform "Sign Of  A Victory" (<-- click on link to listen) together at the opening ceremony on June 11th at the Johannesburg Soccer City Stadium.  All proceeds from the song will benefit African charities including the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup "20 Centers for 2010."

"I feel blessed that 'Sign Of A Victory' was selected to be part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Mr. Kelly.  "The FIFA World Cup is an event that brings the world together and inspires us to be and do the best we can. It's this uplifting feeling that I tried to capture in the song."

"It's also a great honor to perform with the Soweto Spiritual Singers," he added. "They represent the best of South Africa and I'm proud to work with such a talented group." The Jive Records recording artist received a warm welcome to Africa last June, when he performed a sold-out six-concert tour in South Africa and Nigeria.  The multi-Grammy-award winning star spent time with South African luminaries and was "overwhelmed by the beautiful continent."

The Soweto Spiritual Singers commented, "we share our exhilaration in working with R. Kelly on 'Sign of A Victory.'   It is a testament to the talent and artistry we possess as South African artists that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow international musicians.  Our experience has been overwhelming and we are highly honoured to work with R. Kelly."

The rousing song  is an uplifting message of triumph and victory, combining Mr. Kelly's soulful delivery with the sweet urgency of the Soweto Spiritual Singers choir. "Sign Of A Victory" blends American R&B/Pop with African musical influences and choral chants in Zulu.  The anthem is as powerful and poignant as Kelly's three-time Grammy winning classic song "I Believe I Can Fly."

The Soweto Spiritual Singers is a versatile 27-member vocal ensemble comprised of indigenous talent from Soweto.  Their repertoire consists of all forms of gospel genres and traditions.

"Sign Of A Victory" will be included on Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album set for release on May 31/June 1 by Sony Music Entertainment.  Proceeds from the album will benefit FIFA's "20 Centers for 2010" initiative, whose aim is to achieve positive social change through football by building twenty Football for Hope centers for public health, education and football across Africa, and other African charities.

About R. Kelly

R. Kelly's remarkable career spans two decades filled with accomplishments and achievements including earning 19 Grammy nominations.  The Chicago native has released fourteen albums total (including compilations and collaborations) and nine platinum-certified solo albums. He has sold over 34 millions records worldwide, released seven No. 1 albums, twelve platinum-plus selling albums and had eleven No. 1 singles. Most recently, R. Kelly made history when he obtained his 35th Top 10 hit on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, surpassing Nat "King" Cole's record of having the most Top 10 hits on that chart.  

He has collaborated and written songs for musical icons from all genres including: Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher and Celine Dion. After 18 years of stardom, Kelly continues to wear the crown as the King of R&B.

About Jive Records

Jive Records is a record label within the JIVE Label Group. The label represents a varied group of internationally renowned artists representing all genres of music including Justin Timberlake, R. Kelly, Usher (LaFace), Tool (Volcano), Ciara (LaFace), P!nk, Britney Spears, OutKast (LaFace), Kirk Franklin (Verity), Three Days Grace, T-Pain, Marvin Sapp (Verity)  Jordin Sparks, JLS, Bullet For My Valentine, Buddy Guy, Anthony Hamilton and more. JIVE Label Group is a unit of Sony Music Entertainment.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corp., an Official Partner of FIFA and of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world.  Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $79 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

Sony is also the industry leader in 3D innovation and implementation.  With a wide range of consumer and professional products; content creation, editing and distribution; and 3D display solutions for the theater and the home, Sony is the only company with expertise in every part of the 3D environment.

About FIFA

The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world governing body of football, comprising 208 football associations grouped into six confederations. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA's activities extend far beyond its broad spectrum of international competitions headed by the FIFA World Cup™. FIFA provides material, financial and promotional means to develop the game around the world, and offers underprivileged communities support through the Football for Hope movement. For the Game. For the World.

For more information on FIFA and its competitions, especially the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, please visit the official website at www.FIFA.com.

SOURCE Jive Records