The country that brought the world samba music and bossa nova has a rich history of rhythm music. Many of Brazil's most popular sounds are designed for dancing, and it is a nation that responds to beats.

This should be reflected in the music acts that play at the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup — and/or just before the World Cup Final. At present, the main performances are scheduled to be by western pop acts — allegedly Ricky Martin, will.i.am and J-Lo & Pitbull — who may be quite (ahem) uplifting in their own way, but are hardly representative of Brazil's current musical scene. With the various controversies surrounding the staging of this year's World Cup in Brazil, it's important that Brazilian beats are fully represented at the tournament events.