The musical war threatening the Soccer World Cup has been averted.

Local artists threatened to march on Fifa's Johannesburg offices to protest against their exclusion from the opening ceremony and kick-off concert line-ups.

The bitter battle was prompted by the release of the preliminary list of performers for the events. Booked to appear are international artists Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend and Shakira, and locals including The Parlotones, Vusi Mahlasela and Blk Jks.

Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana and the head of the World Cup local organising committee, Danny Jordaan, met the Creative Workers' Union of SA to discuss the inclusion of more local acts in the concerts.

Jordaan said: "We had a very constructive meeting today with Xingwana and the union.

"We've always maintained that the incredibly talented South African and African music industry will play a major part in the tournament's off-field success and character. So, we are certainly very supportive of South African artists using the tournament's considerable platform to showcase their talents and we will continue to constructively engage with the union in this regard".

The agreement says that:

• More local artists will be included in the June 10 concert line-up. It will also be more representative regarding "gender and demographic concerns";

• The SA Music Promoters' Association will work with the US Control Room company that is staging the concert to satisfy BEE concerns;

• There will be further engagement on the arts and culture component at fan parks and public viewing areas to make the events "a truly African arts and culture experience".

Union president Mabutho Sithole said: "A very constructive meeting was held and the ministry must be commended for heeding the call of the local industry on this matter. We hope that this dialogue will continue so that we can optimise opportunities for our sector.

"In light of the agreements reached at this meeting, the union has called off its march."

• The SABC announced yesterday that all 15 of its radio stations will broadcast only local and African music during the tournament.

Spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the corporation's broadcasting service divisions would play 85% South African music, and 15% would be dedicated to music from around the African continent from May 1 to the end of July.