Once again, the Feather Awards rocked Jozi in an incredible display of glam, OTT, sass and humour at the celebrations held in Melrose Arch. Now in it’s 3rd year, the Feather Awards has established itself as one of the most sought-after tickets in town – a flamboyant celebration of public figures who inspire the gay and lesbian community. From businesspeople to actors, sportspeople, musicians and TV personalities – the Feather Award pays a cheeky tribute to the ‘uber-fab’ who represent style, glamour, community-spirit, talent, focus and achievement.
This years celebration included trademark features – Madame Gigi delivered her musical poison-pen letter, performing an overview of the scandals that amused and titillated Mzansi over 2010 and 2011. The hotness continued with Lebohang Toko (who played Cece in the SA production of Dreamgirls), Sibu Radebe and Donovon Yaards remixing Beyonce’s signature track , performing it as ‘Gays Run the World’ – complete with Yfm’s Bujy, Amstel and Sbu Radebe as the principle dancers. Thembesile showcased her huge vocals, in a standout version of ‘One Night Only’ from Dreamgirls, while Mi Casa stormed the stage with three sizzling performances.
As amazing as the performances were, the true stars of the night were the winners, who showed out in true Glam.R.Us style, and set The Venue at Melrose Arch on fire….
Kenny Kunene was the night’s big winner, being recognized as the Fag Hag of the Year, and as one half of the Best Couple of the Year – along with his business partner Gayton McKenzie. Nonhle Thema was crowned the Drama Queen of the year- due no doubt, to the flames she showed people on Twitter, while social butterfly Jen Su took the Socialite of the Year award.
Bonang Matheba and Siphiwe Mpye took home the Best Styled Female and Best Styled Male awards respectively, in a nod to their always being so flawlessly turned out, while Edith Venter was acknowledged as the Diva Extraordinaire of the Year.
Lulo Café is officially Mzansi’s Hunk of the Year, and representing for the ladies, Claire Mawisa is the Hot Chick of the Year. Mzansi’s incredible sporting and musical talent were also recognized – with Andile Jali being acknowledged as the Sports Personality of the Year, and breakout artist Zahara taking home the Musician of the Year award.
Rounding it off in the inspirational stakes, swimming dynamo and international champ Natalie du Toit got the nod as Role Model of the Year, and columnist and HIV/AIDS activist Lucky Mazibuko took the ultimate award- Feather of the Year.
The evening’s festivities were supported by Chevrolet, who’ve been associated with the Awards from the very first year. The Gauteng Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation also stepped up and partnered with the Feather Awards, as did youth radio station Yfm. SABC’s primary entertainment industry TV show The Real Ghoboza is the ceremony’s TV partner for 2011.
“We’re blessed and extremely humbled by the outpouring of support we continue to receive from our nominees, our partners and the general public” enthused Thami Kotlolo, the Feather Awards co-founder. “The Feather Awards represent a special night where sexual minorities – the gay and lesbian community – just come out and have a blast, and say ‘hats off’ to those in the public eye who keep us entertained, inspired and amused. We’re proud to be out, loud and Glam.R.Us. – and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year!”
WINNERS – Feather Awards 2011
Best Styled Female – Bonang Matheba
Best Styled Male – Siphiwe Mpye
Hunk of the Year – Lulo Café
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year – Edith Venter
Sports Personality of the Year – Andile Jali
Role Model of the Year – Natalie du Toit
Best Couple – Gayton McKenzie & Kenny Kunene
Hot Chick of the Year – Claire Mawisa
Fag Hag – Kenny Kunene
Best Musician – Zahara
Socialite – Jen Su
Drama Queen – Nonhle Tema
Feather of the Year – Lucky Mazibuko
