Dazzling stars, inspiring activists and community leaders who have shone brightly were given recognition on Friday at the Feather Awards nominees announcement.
Among the nominees were Tyler ICU (Austin Baloyi), Ayanda Ncwane, Yaya Mavundla, Musa Keys (Musa Makamu), Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as well as Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake.
This year’s nominees were announced during an intimate launch held at The Firs in Rosebank.
The event was hosted by the founder of the awards, Thami Kotlolo known as Thami Dish, alongside the eldest sister of the Modiselle sisters, Refilwe Modiselle.
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Supermodel and DJ Ponahalo Mojapelo was nominated alongside international musician Musa Keys.
Mojapelo said:
Mojapelo added that she was happy that during Pride Month she can be open, loud and proud about being queer.
Sabelo Hadebe, known as Sabelo the Kreator, was nominated for Social Media Personality of the Year.
He said:
Hadebe shared that he did not expect the nomination as he does content creation and loves it. He said he also loves the work of other creators that he is nominated with.
Transgender activist Yaya Mavundla said she deserves the nominations.
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The organisers threw shade at the public sector and did not nominate any for having the LGBTQIA+ initiatives. They said they should “do better”.
As this year’s ceremony gears up for a spectacular night of recognition and revelry, the organisers said people should get ready to unleash the inner unicorn and let their true colours shine.
The awards are set to take place on Thursday, 9 November, at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
Here is the list of the nominees:
Best Styled Individual
Musa Keys
Ponahalo Mojapelo
Yaya Mavundla
Hunk of the Year
Thembinkosi Mthembu
Mondli Makhoba
Toss
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Mrs Mops
Sorisha Naidoo
Swanky Jerry
Sports Personality of the Year
Andile Dlamini
Akani Simbine
SA Netball
Role model of the Year
The Fruit Basket
Tony Kruger
Patsy P. Alley
Cutest Couple
Mandisa Mfeka & Kenay
Buhlebendalo & Botshelo
Xihla & Busi
Hot Chick of the Year
Uncle Waffles
Homba Mazaleni
Mordecai
Media Award of the Year
The Lunch League
Sowetan / S Mag
Kasi 2 Kasi Queer Cinema
Fag hag of the Year
Nhlanhla Mafu
Tamara Dey
Musa Mthombeni
Designer of the Year (new category)
Gert-Johan Coetzee
Otiz Seflo
Lulama Wolf
Musician
Tyler ICU
Bongezizwe Mabandla
Lloyiso
Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)
Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho
Tshiamo
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Drama Queen
Joku
Lebo M
Ayanda Ncwane
Social Media Personality of the Year
Sethu Nkosi
Barbie Jackson
Sabelo The Creator
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector
Miss SA
Woolworths
Nike
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector
Do Better Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
Sacred Heart School
Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
WAQE
Best Rainbow Parenting
Zodwa Rannyadi
Nandipha Jovuka
Abraham Sebidi