The ceremony was launched five years ago, paying tribute to personalities across the entertainment, sports, and business fields who people in the gay and lesbian community found inspirational, attractive, or just plain scandalous. A tongue-in-cheek ceremony, the Feathers also pays homage to individuals or platforms that uplift the image and situations of sexual minorities in South Africa. Amongst this year's new categories, for example was the Media of the Year - an award for a media platform that depicts and represents sexual minorities in an empowering and positive light.
The ceremony took place at Kyalami's Theatre on the Track, and hosted South Africa's celebrity royalty. Ably MC'd by Vuzu's Lalla Hiyarama and Stoan Seate, it was the last word in sex-appeal and glamour. The event kicked off with a high-octane performance from dance group, Vintage Crew, in a performance tribute to local and international gay icons such as David Tlale, Wentworth Miller, Gert Johan Coetzee and Elton John.
Setting the tone for the night, the performances continued on this white-hot note, featuring Tamara Dey collaborating with rapper Reason, divas-in-training, Kelly Khumalo, Brenda Mntambo, and Thembisile Ntaka in a moving rendition of Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song."
In a cheeky nod to 'Throwback Thursday", KB Motsilanyane performed her monster hit 'Rock Lefatshe'. Vintage Crew rocked the house throughout, lending their dance skills to the performances, and ensuring that the entire event resounded of 'fabulosity'.
The winners were a mixed bag of politicians, actors, singers, and media personalities. Radio presenter Azania Mosaka took the trophy for Best Styled Female, while Diva Extraordinaire was scooped by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane. Newcomer Nomzamo Mbatha took the 'Hot Chick of the Year" Award, while her onscreen brother, Pallance Dladla won the 'Hunk of the Year' category.
The Role Model of the Year category was claimed by Thulani Madondo, while everyone's favourite duo, Mome and Tall Ass Mo grabbed the 'Cutest Couple' award. Each of the winners took home the newly re-designed Feathers Awards trophy, each one featuring a diamond from jewellers Lichaba Creations. Event sponsors included Chevrolet, who transported nominees to the red carpet in grand style, and the Film and Publications Board.
"It has been an incredibly rewarding experience putting on the Feather Awards every year," comments Thami Kotlolo, the event's founder. "We have always been committed to our vision of delivering an awards ceremony that speaks to who we are, and what we're about - the humorous, the serious, the silly, and the glamorous. I'm so grateful for the support we've received from sponsors, the nominees, entertainment industry in general - and of course, the viewing public. I can't wait to see what the next 5 years will bring!"
Best Styled Female - This category is for ladies that consistently kept to their style throughout the year.
Azania Mosaka
Best Styled Male - The men that have remained stylish throughout the year.
Thapelo Mokoena
Hunk of the Year - These men just ooze the X-factor, you look at them and just want a strong hug.
Pallance Dladla
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year - These women are who always carry themselves well - they have a strong presence.
Premier Nomvula Mokonyane
Sports Personality of the Year - People that have inspired in the world of sports
Lucas Sithole (Paralympian - winner, US Open Quad Grand Slam)
Role model of the Year - They never put their foot wrong in the public eye, they continue to contribute positively to society.
Thulani Madondo
Cutest Couple - these are couples that people adore and look up to.
Mome & Tall Ass Mo
Hot Chick of the Year - these are women who ooze a lot of sex appeal.
Nomzamo Mbatha
Media of the Year.
After 9 (SABC1)
Fag hag of the Year - Need we say more, they never leave their home without their favorite accessories, a gay friend.
Pearl Thusi
Musician of the Year - musician we love to listen to, on and off stage.
Micasa
Socialite of the Year - Seen at every opening of an envelope or erection of a Stop sign.
Bujy Bikwa
Drama Queen of the Year - These are personalities we read about every Sunday over breakfast, their lives revolve around dramatic behaviors and situations.
Savita Mbuli
Feather of the Year - An individual whose work and actions have uplifted the gay and lesbian community
Zanele Muholi
