Lights. Camera. Feathers. This past Thursday marked the 15th annual Feather Awards, which celebrated diversity and inclusivity in a spectacular soirée.
Inside The 15th Annual Feather Awards
Taking place at The Market Theatre, the glitzy affair brought together luminaries from the world of entertainment, fashion, and of course activism. The ceremony served to recognize and honour outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and diversity in the LGBTIA+ community over the past year.
The festivities began on the red carpet where stars such as Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Tamara Dey and Reigning Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Joubert showed off their gorgeous looks. Tamara Day even revealed queer icon RuPaul as the inspiration behind her breathtaking, and dramatic, purple fit.
And The Winners Are…
The festivities were hosted by the always impeccably dressed Refilwe and Bontle Modiselle alongside the stunning Andiswa P Gebashe, and the night was a full celebration of the importance of unity, acceptance, and breaking down social barriers.
Filled with quirky antidotes, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable and show-stopping performances, the entire evening captivated the audience and reinforced the message of embracing diversity.
But we didn’t just attend the event for beautiful moments, but rather for the winners, who were selected by a panel of esteemed judges who assessed the nominees in various categories. This year’s recipients demonstrated their unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, and they serve as shining examples to inspire change and acceptance within South Africa and beyond.
Here are the winners of the Feather Awards XV:
- Best Styled Individual (JOINT AWARD)
PonaHalo and Yaya Mavundla, with Yaya Mavundla giving an incredibly and emotionally charged speech that reminded us that queer lives matter.
- 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 – well deserved.
- Social Media Personality of the Year
Sabelo The Creator
- Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector
Nike
- Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
- Best Rainbow Parenting (JOINT AWARD)
Zodwa Rannyadi, Nandipha Jovuka and Abraham Sebidi
- African Feather of the Year
- Samuell Matsikure
The night ended with the Simon Nkoli Award being presented to the multi-talented, award-winning South African sweetheart Thandiswa Mazwai.
The Feathers Are More Than Awards
Yes, the event is about celebrating the accomplishments of individuals within the queer industry, but it goes beyond one night. The Feathers also serve as a platform to inspire change and advocate for a more inclusive and diverse society.
As Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards, stated, as a community, it’s important to always focus on the positive, inspiring not just each other but others with our boldness, braveness, and colourful outlook on life.
That said, congratulations to all the Feather Awards XV winners, and we’ll see you next year!
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