The Grand Parade at City Hall, the venue at which Nelson Mandela gave his first public address the day he was released in 1990, played host to a different kind of party Thursday night, as thousands of fans joined in FIFA's kick-off celebration in Cape Town.
The event featured musicians like DJ Reddy, and hip hop artist JR, but the biggest cheers of the night were for R&B star R. Kelly, who gave a soaring rendition of “I Believe I Can Fly.”
FIFA is staging other events throughout South Africa, including a concert in Soweto featuring Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas, and Cape Town has reached a fever pitch among locals. Tens of thousands crowded outside the concert area, where big screens broadcast the events to the shut-out fans.
“I was on my way home from work, but the trains were so packed with people and their vuvuzelas that I had to come,” said Grant Jantjies, referring to the plastic trumpets that have become the staple instrument of this World Cup. “I had to be here. This is a lifetime opportunity!”
While Jantjies, who had to complete his hour-long commute after the party ended, compared the celebrations to the 2004 parties in the street when South Africa was awarded the tournament, a 17 year old fan named Lizzy says it doesn't even compare.
“This is gevaarllik [awesome],” he said after hopping down from his friend's shoulders. “This is as good as I thought it would be. South Africa is on top of the world.” When asked what he thought what the score of tomorrow's opening game with Mexico would be, another fan suggested a 2-0 upset victory by Bafana Bafana.
“Two goals?” he asked incredulously. “Not two goals. Five goals. 5-0.”
