The long awaited moment in everyone’s calendar has arrived on Thursday morning at the hub of Johannesburg venue Constitutional Hill. Anticipation was filled in the air as guests, nominees and judges arrived at the venue while photographers and camera crews gathered to take shots at their favorite stars.
On arrival the guests were offered drinks and canapés as they were ushered to their seats and were warmly greeted by co-founder of the Feather Awards Mr. Joe Correia, who highlighted the importance and significance of the awards ceremony held in the entertainment industry. The theme this year is A Luta Continua which coincides with the 9th year in the entertainment industry which represents self-love, freedom, tolerance, love and humility, this is all what The Feather Awards seeks to achieve.
“A Luta Continua is a struggle term which means the struggle continues and victory is certain, The LGBTI Community is still facing issues such as stigma and discrimination, impact of exclusion, problems of homophobia, hate crimes, safety and right to public services. We hope that these awards will continue to be a voice to the voiceless and become a spear of hope to the weak. We love partnering with organizations who want to use their spaces to educate the public and also create allies and friends who will help us spread love and no hate, we have partnered with international brand Nyx Cosmetics, Gauteng Tourism, Department of Community Safety and The Other Foundation-comments Thami Kotlolo, creative director of the Feather Awards”.
The gorgeous Khanya Mkhangisa will join actor and producer Lumko Johnson on stage for the second year as the Hosts for the 9th annual Feather Awards 2017 while the bold and vibrant Ayanda Makhuzeni handles the red carpet.
The full list of nominees is available with 12 categories and 35 personalities spread across each category, with the likes of Zodwa Wabantu who is nominated twice in different categories and controversial Skolopad who has made her mark in the red carpet this year.
Recognition was given to media powerhouses such as Carol Bouwer and Basetsana Khumalo who are nominated in the same category this year for Role model of the year. The African Feather award will be announced on the night. The Annual Feather Awards ceremony will take place on the 9th of November 2017 at Kyalami theatre on the track, Midrand.
BEST-STYLED FEMALE.
- Dineo Moeketsi
- Thando Thabethe
- Kelly Khumalo
BEST-STYLED MALE.
- Trevor Stuurman
- Ricky Rick
- Aaron Moloisi
MEDIA AWARD
- The Wound
- Ukhozi (For SelBeyonce)
- Phatu Makwarela (The Queen Head writer)
HOT CHICK OF THE YEAR
- Natasha Thahane (The Queen)
- K Naomi
- Linda Mtoba (Isibaya)
HUNK OF THE YEAR
- Jesse Suntele (Bet- Alist)
- Fezile Makhanya
- Zweli Dube
CUTEST COUPLE OF THE YEAR
- Mandisa Nduna and Thishiwe Ziqubu
- Nomzamo Mbatha and Maps Maponyane
- Pearl Thusi and Dj Zinhle
DIVA EXTRAORDINAIRE
- Vatiswa Ndara (Igazi)
- Basetsana Khumalo (Top Billing)
- Carol Bouwer (Carol Bouwer Productions)
FAG-HAG OF THE YEAR
- Chiano Sky (Musician)
- Kelly Khumalo (Musician)
- Manaka Ranaka (Generations)
SOCIALITE OF THE YEAR
- Zodwa Wa Bantu (Media Personality)
- Skolopad (Media Personality)
- Basetsana Khumalo (Top Billing)
MUSICAN OF THE YEAR
- Amanda Black (Musician)
- Lady Zamar (Musician)
- Kwesta
SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
- Wayde Van Niekerk
- Kagiso Rabada
- Kass Naidoo
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR
- Ricky Kgostau (LGBTI Activist)
- Phindi Malaza (LGBTI Activist)
- Jay Motlou (LGBTI Activist)
DRAMA QUEEN OF THE YEAR
- Skolopad (Media Personality)
- Zodwa Wa Bantu (Media Personality)
- Babes Wodumo + Mampintsha