Singer Enrique Iglesias to perform at CLT20 inaugural ceremony

Spanish music sensation Enrique Iglesias will perform a special concert 'Enrique Live' at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens in Johannesburg on September 9, an event which will inaugurate the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 that gets underway a day later at the Wanderers Stadium.

The Champions League takes place from September 10-26 across four venues in South Africa - Wanderers, Centurion, St George's Park and Kingsmead - as 10 of the world's top franchise cricket teams battle it out for Twenty20 glory.

Enrique has sold over 55 million albums worldwide (in both English and Spanish) and has a number of achievements to his name including a TMF Award, several Billboard Awards, two

Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, ASCAP and BMI awards as songwriter and a handful of nominations for MTV Music Video Awards.

"This is a major boost for the tournament. Enrique is a big hit with South African fans and there is no doubt he will light up the Bull Ring on September 10. It is going to be spectacular," CLT20 Chairman Shashank Manohar said.

"Twenty20 cricket has brought out cricket's fun side, and entertainment is part and parcel of the stadium experience. The CLT20 is going to be a 23-day joyride of top class Twenty20 over cricket complimented with great family entertainment," Manohar added.

Enrique, whose hit single I Like It, has been adopted as the theme song for the CLT20 advertising campaign, confirmed his participation, saying it is always a wonderful experience visiting Africa.

"I am proud to come to South Africa. The support of the fans is heartwarming, and I look forward to performing in September. South Africa is a special place, and after Spain's World Cup win, holds even more significance for me," Enrique said.

With six top 5 singles on the Billboard-100 and 21 No 1 singles on the Billboard, the hot Latin has hit singles Do You Know', Addicted, Not In Love, Hero and the new I Like It in his kitty.

Enrique has completed a number of worldwide tours, which included two previously SOLD OUT tours to South Africa in 2004 and 2007.

The concert will be managed by Big Concerts, who will once again work with Enrique, after successfully promoting his two previous tours to South Africa.