Pretoria- After much anticipation, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony opened at 18:40 at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium with all the colour and splendour it promised.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela graced the event, even going onto the pitch with wife, Graca Machel, much to the delight of the many soccer lovers gathered at Soccer City stadium.
The sound of the vuvuzelas echoed through the stadium when Colombian singer Shakira and local group Freshlyground sung their hit song Waka Waka.
The large crowd at Soccer City stadium, as well as viewers from all over the world, were entertained by artists from different parts of the continent in true African style and the 3D effects captured the crowd's excitement.
The audience reveled to the sounds of Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jozi, Stoan Seate, Slikour, Zuluboy, Abigail Kubeka, Theo Kgosinkwe, Afrikaans artists Nianell and flutist Wouter, Nigeria's 2Face, Ghana's Samini and popular local traditional group Ihashi Elimhlophe.
Marimba players dazzled when they played on the 3D impressions displayed on the grounds of the stadium and the gumboot dancers, Pantsula and contemporary dancers, showed what they were made of.
A sea of soccer fans clad in orange surrounded the magnificent calabash-shaped stadium.
The crowd and fans from all over the world are now anxiously awaiting the historic Final Match of the football tournament, between Spain and the Netherlands. The match will kick-off at 20:30.
