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Khanyi Mbau and Kudzai’s drama to be recognised at the Feather Awards?
This year’s Feather Awards will take place on 11 November 2021 at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg under the theme 'Queer Lives Matter'.
Khanyi Mbau is among the nominees of the 2021 Feather Awards set to take place in November. | Picture: Instagram
Has anyone had a more dramatic year than Khanyi Mbau and her new man, Terrence Kudzai Mushonga? Well, the judging panel of this year’s upcoming Feather Awards don’t think so.
They nominated Khanyi Mbau alongside Real Housewives of Durban star Nonku Williams and her mom as well as Black Motion’s Thabo Smalls for his ‘Ke jele, ke Jele’ moment ahead of this year’s awards ceremony set to take place on 11 November 2021 at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
The nominees for the 2021 Feather Awards were revealed on Tuesday during an intimate, Covid-compliant event that saw the new generation of queer icons dominate the nominee list. This year’s hosts were also introduced and they are: Ditshego Ditshego, Penny Lebyane, Lumko Johnson and Zizo Beda.
Now in its 13th year, the annual Feather Awards will set out to once again honour and recognise personalities and individuals from various industry sectors including entertainment, politics, lifestyle, sport and business for their contribution to the lives of queer people around Southern Africa and their advancement of the rights of people in the community.
“Each nominated individual or organisation, in one way or the other, has either represented, inspired, or celebrated the LGBTIQ community with excellence and distinction over the past twelve months,” explain organisers in a statement.
Organisers further explained that category finalists and winners are selected and adjudicated by a knowledgeable panel consisting of members of the media and entertainment industry, who are firmly in touch with what’s hot and not on the South African social circuit.
The Feather Awards also feature an annual them and this year, the focus will be; Queer Lives Matter, in line with the global conversation that seeks to address the array of issues plaguing the LGBTI community.
ALSO READ: Three words for Khanyi Mbau: get a life
It is not all fabulosity and feathers.
The awards show’s organisers also do a lot of social work in the lead-up to the awards show. This includes LGBTIQ advocacy activations taking place throughout the year in partnership with the Thami Dish Foundation.
These programmes include LGBTIQ+ Dialogues, workshops and training sessions in rural and far-flung communities across South Africa.
“It’s been an interesting 13 years building these awards as a community. From starting out as a small celebration at a nightclub in Rosebank, the Feathers is now a whole teenager, a fully operational powerhouse of programmes,” commented Thami Kotlolo (Thami Dish) co-founder of the Feather Awards.
“Through the awards we have showcased, celebrated and shared the South African LGBTIQ community with not only the African continent but also the world at large. They have also helped empower the country through dialogues and workshops, making their voice heard in communities in the public and private sector,” he added.
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2021 Feather Awards nominees
Best Styled Individual
- Leroy Marc
- Rich Mnisi
- Zozibini Tunzi
Hunk of the Year
- Siya Khumalo
- Wiseman Zithar
- Rich Mnisi
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
- Johanna Mukoki
- Ayanda Ncwane
- Amanda Dambuza
Sports Personality of the Year
- Phuti ‘Minaj’ Lekoloane
- Protea Pumas
- Palesa Manaleng
WATCH: Ramaphosa and Thami’s hilarious interview on having gay friends
Role model of the Year
- Phuthi ‘Minaj’ Lekoloane
- Roché Kester
- Thebe Magugu
Cutest Couple
- Musa & Liesel Mthombeni
- Sylvester Chauke & Tumelo Mmusi
- Letoya Makhene & Lebo Keswa
Hot Chick of the Year
- Kamo Mphela
- Shudufadzo Musida
- Ama Qamatha
Media Award of the Year
- Mzansi Magic’s Becoming
- YFM’s The ShakeDown hosted by Nia Brown and Mthaux
- The River
Fag hag of the Year
- Lady Du
- Zoe Modiga
- Nokuthula Mavuso
Musician of the Year
- Lady Du
- Makhadzi
- Langa Mavuso
Socialite of the Year
- Johanna Mukoki
- Lelo WhatsGood
- Bobby Blanco
Drama Queen of the Year
- Nonku Williams and her Mom
- Thabo Smalls & KeJile keJile
- Khanyi Mbau
Social Media Personality of the Year
- The Funny Chef
- Coachella Randy
- Tumi Powerhouse
Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Private Sector
- Levis X Langa Mavuso
- Ernest & Young
- Tshepo Jeans
Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Public Sector
- Gauteng Department of Education
- Department of Education Western Cape
- National Youth Development Agency
Best LGBTIQ Youth Movement
- Vaal LGBT
- Vogue Nights
- Queer Lives Matter
Best Rainbow Parenting
- House of Diamond (Original Hunty)
- Bongani Sibeko & Ndumiso Ngidi
- Virginia Magwaza
