Founder of the Feathers Awards Thami Kotlolo is a man of many talents. So profound is this Mamelodi born lad that the word protégé comes to mind when one goes through his life accomplishments and long list of achievements at the tender age of 26 years. He was only 23 years old when he conceived one of South Africa’s prolific award shows, and has managed to make a mark and ruffle a couple of feathers in almost all spheres of life, from politics, entertainment to corporate South Africa. An entrepreneur who runs one of the leading Communications and Events management companies, Quad Republic, where he serves as CEO. Under his leadership Quad Republic has handled accounts for the SABC – GAUTENG SPORTS, ARTS, CULTURE AND RECREATION, FILM AND PUBLICATION AWARDS, NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION, GAUTENG YOUTH COMMISSION, GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT to mention but a few.
Thami began his life in the public domain as a child star with roles in youth soapie Backstage, blockbuster film Mr Bones, appeared on advertisements for Coca-cola and Tastic rice ( to mention but two) and had a short stint as a YO-TV presenter. As with his role on Backstage, Thami’s presenting job had to be cut prematurely as it interfered with his Musical theatre studies with the Tshwane University of Technology. After completing his studies in Musical theatre, Thami’s fate took a different turn as he found himself thrust in the behind the scenes side of the entertainment business. His first job being with VUTHA Marketing and Advertising where he served as assistant production manager. Following which he joined SABC AFRICA as a producer and production coordinator. During which time he also landed a spot with YFM alongside Ashifa Shaba and Bridget Masinga as a producer on the radio stations’ weekend mid morning slot. Thami’s talent was soon spotted by Sowetan, where he was enlisted as an entertainment columnist.
In November 2008 Kotlolo partnered up with the man behind the Duku-Duku Awards and Skhonyana Productions owner Baby Joe Careira and with a generous partnership with Chevrolet produced one of South Africa’s most anticipated award shows, under the banner “Feathers”. An award show that recognizes and celebrates iconic personalities and achievers as voted by the gay community. Three years and growing big the award show has become a formidable date in the social calendar, and attracts the whose who of South Africa. For Kotlolo only the sky remains the limit, he now sits on the board of Joburg Pride and has widely been known to have proclaimed himself the ANC Gay Youth League President. If his past track record is anything to go by, there’s no doubt that Kotlolo is the man to look to for the future.
