Solid and Fabulous: 13th annual Feather Awards

Now in its 13^th year, the Feather Awards took place at the iconic Market Theatre in Johannesburg. 

As usual, the awards were filled with colour, bug personalities and fun. 

Setting off the star-studded evening in true glitz and glam, the entrance to the Market Theatre was transformed into a pink floral wonderland. Pink Carpet hosts Rorisang Thandekiso, Zanele Potelwa and Ayanda Makuzeni welcomed guests as they entered the precinct.

Lethabo Joy, Ayanda Ncwane and Phupho Gumede Kardashian impressed on the pink carpet with the glamorous gowns while award hosts Lumko Johnson, Penny Lebyane, Ditshego Ditshego and Zizo Tshwete kept the audience entertained for the 3-hour long ceremony. 

Live performances from Tamara Dey, Amstel, Lady Du and Holly Rey alongside the Mzansi Gay Choir lit the venue on fire. 

“The main reason for hosting these awards during this trying period in our community, is as always to continue celebrating life. More importantly in 2021 we are also celebrating queer lives because we as a community matter. We celebrated diversity and inclusion for all,” said Feathers co-founder Thami Kotlolo. He added that the work, including LGBTIQ+ dialogues across the country to give the community a voice, will go on post the awards.

Leading the wins for the evening, Lady DU bagged 2 awards, the Fag Hag of the Year and shared Best Musician with Limpopo goddess Makhadzi.

‘Golden’ boy Wiseman Zithar took the Hunk of the Year while Best Styled Award was shared by former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and SA fashion sensation Rich Mnisi.

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year went to the fabulous Johanna Mukoki and Hot Chick of the year went to the beautiful Shudufhadzo Musida.

The newly married lovebirds Liesl Laurie and Musa Mthombeni were in attendance but the award for the Cutest Couple was scooped by marketing guru Sylvester Chauke & his partner Tumelo Mmusi. 

Drama Queen for the second time in Feather Awards history went to the ever controversial multitalented media personality and businesswoman Khanyi Mbau.

Soccer player Phuti “Minaj “ Lekoloane  scooped the Sport Personality of the Year.

Best Rainbow Parent Award went to LGBTI+ activist, the dynamic Virginia Magwaza who attended with her daughter.

Best LGBTIQ initiative ( Private Sector) Award went to Ernst & Young for all their on-going initiatives to create inclusion for all. Best LGBTIQ initiative ( Public Sector) went to the Gauteng Department of Education who continue to build programmes that give queer people a voice. Vaal LGBT took Best LGBTIQ Youth Movement Award for their extensive empowerment and growth building within the community.

Roche Kester, Director of the LGBTQIA desk at the Gauteng Premier’s Office received the Role Model of the Year accolade and Media Award of The Year went to highly profiled TV show Becoming. 

Socialite of The Year went to Lelo WhatsGood while Coachella Randy took the Social Media personality of the Year award.

The ever important Simon Nkoli Award went to South African fashion icon David Tlale who gave a moving motivation speech.

The biggest accolade of the evening, the African Feather of the Year was awarded to former United Nations official, the acclaimed Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka who was unable to attend the Awards.

Full winners list: 

Best Styled Individual

Zozibini Tunzi and Rich Mnisi

Hunk of the Year

Wiseman Zithar 

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year

Johanna Mukoki

Sport personality of the Year 

Phuti “Minaj “ Lekoloane 

Role Model of the Year

Roche Kester 

Cutest Couple

Sylvester Chauke & Tumelo Mmusi 

Hot Chick of the Year

Shudufadzo Musida 

Media Award of the Year

Becoming

Fag hag of the Year 

Lady Du

Musician

Makhadzi and Lady Du

Socialite

Lelo WhatsGood 

Drama Queen

Khanyi Mbau 

Social Media personality of the Year

Coachella Randy

Best LGBTIQ initiative ( Private Sector) 

Ernest & Young

Best LGBTIQ initiative ( Public Sector)

Gauteng Department of Education 

Best LGBTIQ Youth Movement

Vaal LGBT

Best Rainbow Parenting 

Virginia Magwaza

AFRICAN FEATHER AWARD

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

SIMON NKOLI AWARD

David Tlale