One of the most anticipated events in the LGBTQI+ calendar, the 15th Feather Awards, concluded its celebration of diversity and inclusivity in a spectacular soiree held at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg last night.
DIVERSITY
Hosted by returning MCs, The Modiselle sister, Bontle and Refilwe and Sign Language interpreter Andiswa P Gebashe, the glitzy affair brought together stars from the world of entertainment, fashion, and activism to recognise and honour individuals and organisations, who have made a significant contribution to promoting inclusivity.
SOLVE FOR X
This year, themed #SolveForX, the Feather Awards XV celebrated the importance of acceptance and unity. The winners of the Feather Awards XV were selected by a panel of esteemed judges. This year the Simon Nkoli Award was given to singer Thandiswa Mazwai and she was honoured in a performance of one of her songs by Zoe Modiga, Buhlebendalo Mda and Langa Mavuso. Accepting the award, Thandiswa said, that in the beginning, she felt it was too soon for her to receive such a prestigious accolade. "It doesn't get better than this. When Thami told me about this, I said, wait until I'm 85 then you can give me something like this," she said, shedding a tear of gratitude. "I have been many things, but something I've always wanted to be is a gay icon." Thandiswa closed the show with her song Abenguni.
THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Best Styled Individual (JOINT AWARD)
PonaHalo and Yaya Mavundla
Hunk of the Year
Thembinkosi Mthembu
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Mrs Mops
Sports Personality of the Year
Andile Dlamini
Role Model of the Year
Tony Kruger
Cutest Couple
Buhlebendalo & Botshelo
Hot Chick of the Year
Homba Mazaleni
Media Award of the Year (JOINT AWARD)
The Lunch League and Sowetan / S Mag
Fag Hag of the Year
Tamara Dey
Designer of the Year
Otiz Seflo
Musician of the Year
Bongezizwe Mabandla
Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)
Tshiamo
Drama Queen
Lebo M
Social Media Personality of the Year
Sabelo The Creator
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector
Nike
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector
NO NOMINEES | NO WINNER
Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
Best Rainbow Parenting (JOINT AWARD)
Zodwa Rannyadi and Nandipha Jovuka and Abraham Sebidi
African Feather of the Year
Samuell Matsikure
Andiswa P Gebashe
Tumi Powerhouse
Yaya Mavundla
Noxolo Grootboom and Buhle Geleba
Sophie Ndaba
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi
Miss SA Natasha Joubert
