The annual Feathers Awards took place last night at the Kyalami Theatre on the track during their 5th year anniversary celebration, a night of haute couture and the Feather’s Awards trademark – unbridled sarcasm and pointed barbs.
The ceremony was launched 5 years ago, paying tribute to personalities across the entertainment, sports, and business fields who people in the gay and lesbian community found inspirational, attractive, or just plain scandalous.
A tongue-in-cheek ceremony, the Feathers also pays homage to individuals or platforms that uplift the image and situations of sexual minorities in South Africa. Amongst this year’s new categories, for example was the Media Of The Year – an award for a media platform that depicts and represents sexual minorities in an empowering and positive light.
Ably MC’d by Vuzu’s Lalla Hiyarama and Stoan Seate, it was the last word in sex-appeal and glamour! The event kicked off with a high-octane performance from dance group, Vintage Crew, in a performance tribute to local and international gay icons such as David Tlale, Wentworth Miller, Gert Johan Coetzee and Elton John.
Setting the tone for the night, the performances continued on this white-hot note, featuring Tamara Dey collaborating with rapper Reason, divas-in-training, Kelly Khumalo, Brenda Mntambo, and Thembisile Ntaka in a moving rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song.”
In a cheeky nod to ‘Throwback Thursday”, KB Motsilanyane performed her monster hit ‘Rock Lefatshe’. Vintage Crew rocked the house throughout, lending their incredible dance skills to the performances, and ensuring that the entire event resounded of ‘fabulosity’.
The winners were a mixed bag of politicians, actors, singers, and media personalities. Ever-elegant radio presenter Azania Mosaka took the trophy for Best Styled Female, while Diva Extraordinaire was scooped by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
Newcomer Nomzamo Mbatha took the ‘Hot Chick of the Year” Award, while her onscreen brother, Pallance Dladla won the ‘Hunk of the Year’ category. The role model of the year category was claimed by Thulani Madondo, while everyone’s favorite duo, Mome and Tall Ass Mo grabbed the ‘Cutest Couple’ award.
Each of the winners took home the newly re-designed Feathers Awards trophy, each one featuring a diamond from jewelers Lichaba Creations.
