On Friday night I accepted another last minute invite: this time to celebrate a rare reason to cheer during these grim times.
And not even the presence of our flagpole-loving arts and culture minister, Nathi Mthethwa, could dampen spirits during a magnificent gala evening honouring our new Grammy winners Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman.
Arranged by Arena Holdings, which publishes the Sunday Times, this was a night of wall to wall musical talents who all came out to cheer, from J Something and Mo-T from Mi Casa to SA Style Awards 2023 recipient Boity Thulo.
While business heavyweights included Happy Ntshingila, Tshepo Mahloele and Universal Music's Sipho Dlamini.
Guests of honour were Grammy kingpins Harvey Mason jnr, the CEO of the Recording Academy, and Panos A Panay, the influential US organisation's president.
As the Grammy heavies arrived, I asked Harvey what it was about Bayethe that enthralled the academy's more than 12,000 voters.
"This song comes with real heart and passion which resonated with our voters," he said.
Brilliantly compered by Anele Mdoda (who, nicely, recycled an African-inspired dress she wore at another do overseas), it was inspiring speeches galore and performances by Sho Madjozi and Nasty C.
The night though belonged to the trio who took home the Grammy for Best Global Musical Performers of 2023 for Bayethe.
Wouter treated us to a flute performance, while Nomcebo got everyone
