Shaggy, Chaka Khan, shaolin monks in CL opening ceremony

Bangalore:

Renowned Reggae singer Shaggy, Grammy winner Chaka Khan, British pop star Jamelia and shaolin monks from China will set alight the star-studded opening ceremony of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

The proceeding would start in all seriousness with captains of the 12 participating teams exchanging flags and taking the "MCC - Spirit of Cricket" before leaving their hand prints in clay, as an attestation to play the game within the spirit of cricket.

After that, it would be high-voltage entertainment. Twelve world-renowned Japanese drummers would take the centrestage then, followed by international dancers in Michelle Ferranti costumes.

American R&B singer-songwriter Yvette Marie Stevens, better known as Chaka Khan, would then take over to entertain the crowd with her hit single "I Feel For You".

Chaka Khan will be followed by the acrobatic cube artists before shaolin monks from China occupy the stage to display Tai Chi, Kung Fu and Chi Kung movements in an adrenalin-packed sequence, surrounded by the agile Kalaripayattu artists.

Shaggy will appear next to sing "Feel the Rush", which was the official anthem for the mascots of the Euro 2008 football tournament.

Shaggy's performance will be accompanied by a multi-coloured laser show and eight wind dancers. British singer-model Jamelia would then take over with her international super hit song "Superstar".

In the grand finale, all the artists will converge onto the field to a synchronised segment of lights, laser, concert sound and a display of fireworks that will come together to make for a spectacular climax.