Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi propel Barcelona to UEFA Champions League victory.

This is one of those few moments when I comment or write about subjects I don't usually cover. It could be because I'm a new found fan of Barcelona's or the fact that I've always admired both French footballer Thierry Henry and our very own African super-striker Samuel Eto'o, who hails from Cameroon.

On the other hand, maybe it's because Heineken made a huge event out of the screening of the UEFA Champions League final match at INC. last night. I have never been so excited about a soccer game like that in a long time. Barcelona were on fire as they dominated the bulk of the game with excellent, wholesome football. A point that brings me back to my adulation for Henry, ever since his days with Arsenal. He is one of the most revered players in in the world and he showed us just how he garnered that following as he helped his team clinge the most coveted title/championship in European football.

There was also celebrities galore, as supporters from both the teams revelled in a spactacular match that saw Barcelona score a goal in each of the innings. In the house were familiar faces including the likes of Carol Manana, Tebogo Mahlatsi, David Kau, DJ Bongs, Kwela Tebza, Kagiso Lediga, Unathi Nkayi and Bad Boy T, Nhlanhla Nciza, Fistaz and T-Bo Touch and many more. The food was delicious and the drinks flowing smoothly. The company and atmosphere were also grand and jubilant with many familair faces I had brief chats with.

It's a pity I had to rush out just after the game to try and catch Young Nations, Imbube, and F'Eezy perform at the Unrealeased Records showcase, missing the celebrations after the game. Needless to say, the performances were over when I got to the venue. I would have loved to see if what Imbube were saying about their energy and music when I interviewed them earlier this year rings true.

Anyway, INC. rocked last night. Thanks for the invite Raksha, me and my boy Thabiso had an amazing time.

Africa Day delivers a feast of Arts & Culture

The energy was a positive and amazing one as Africans from this beautiful continent congregated at Mary Fitzgerald Square to celebrate our triumphs and diverse cultures. People from all over Africa braced the cold to be part of a unifying force in the continent, our music. It felt so good to see people having fun and a great experience.

One of the highlights in terms of performances has to be Asa, the Nigerian soul singer based in Paris. As usual, she delivered a soul-stirring performance, in between songs pleading with Africans to come together, not just for a day like this, but all the time. DJ Awadi also got the crowd dancing with his energetic presentation of hip-hop-inspired grooves. Although Gang Of Instrumentals have very catchy songs and really know how to get the crowd grooving, I felt for some reason the sound was not up to standard when they did their set. Still on the local front, The Parlotones gave a steling recital of rock sounds, creating a wave of excitement as the crowd sang along. And I would not be doing justice if I didn't mention the Grammy award-winning outfit Soweto Gospel Choir who sand like angels on the night.

It was a great evening, filled with great music and great food, as well as great conversations with interesting people. I was introduced by a friend to Masilo (model/actress/TV presenter who recently presented the SABC 2 show Artcha), and realised she is actually a nice lady. I spotted Paul Mashatile, the new deputy minister of the Arts And Culture porfolio with who I presumed to be his wife at the VIP marquee. In the crowds, I saw Thandiswa Mazwai having fun, and also saw and had a brief chat with DJ and producer Blackcofee who offered his support with model girlfriend Chwaita, despite his looming flu.

I can't wait for next year, when the spotlight shines on Africa again, highlighting our music, art and culture.