Move over South African Music Awards, the Feather Awards are here.

The awards that got off to a glittering start last night in Rosebank, Johannesburg, as a host of celebrities descended on Latinova for the first edition of the awards ceremony.

An evening characterized by irreverence, bling and glamour, the awards paid tribute to public figures who inspire that the gay and lesbian community with their sheer ‘fabulosity’.   The event boasted guests such as Skwatta Kamp’s Siyabonga Slikour Metane, YFM DJ Bonang Matheba, singers Thembi Seete, Speedy, Kelly Khumalo, Malaika’s Tshedi Mholo, gay trio 3Sum Amstel, Koyo and Jeff, Iko Mash, rapper Leslie Mampe, Generation’s Sophie Ndaba, Nthato Mashishi, Pepsi Pokane, blogger Mika Stefano, Zizo Beda, Mr SA finalist Geoffrey Tshitundu,  and many more celebs.

The glamorous tone was set from the moment nominees arrived at the red carpet in a sleek fleet of vehicles courtesy of sponsor Chevrolet.   Hosted by MetroFM’s Lupi Ngcayisa, the awards also featured a sultry cabaret performance from actor and singer Lucia Mthiyane who performed Tina Turners I’m a dancer and Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive, and an outrageous skit-performance from the iconic drag artist, Somizi Mhlongo’s ultra ego Madame Gigi. He made up a song that included dissing most of the stars that were there including Khanyi Mbau’s ex-sugar daddy Mandla Mthembu.

The Feathers guest presenters such as  journalists Cassandra Gudlhuza and Kuli Roberts distinguished themselves as some of the most opinionated individuals in the business – adding spice to the proceedings by dropping scandalous asides, sarcastic commentary and  juicy tit-bits about various nominees, who took it all in good humour.

Gudlhuza broke the ice starting off with saying, “I have to say Lucia looks good for a 65-year-old woman, she and Abigail Kubheka have to tell us how they can keep their bodies so hot at that age.” Leaving everyone gasping for air.

In the end, the list of winners read like a “who’s-who” of the entertainment industry.  Thanking the gay and lesbian community for the recognition, the various winners made a point of emphasising the contributions that members of the community made to their own lives and careers, and appealing for tolerance and respect for gay and lesbian rights.  Lira and Khanyi Mbau both had the distinction of being the only nominees who won two awards each – Lira for Diva Extraordinaire and Best Musician, while Khanyi took the Fag Hag and Drama Queen trophies.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support this event got, especially because we’re in our first year!” said an ecstatic Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the event.

“Our nominees were so incredibly supportive, Chevrolet, an international brand came to the party and sorted us out with fabulous vehicle!  People just gave and gave!! It’s so encouraging when people buy into your vision, and the entertainment community has an incredible sense of gay and lesbian rights, tolerance for difference, as well as a healthy love of glamour and bling – which made this an amazing night!  A million congratulations to the winners, and the nominees – you’re all fabulous to me! Let’s do it again next year!”

In ending the awards, there was great dancing session with DJ’s Nutty and Naked on the decks, and man did everyone pull their best moves. What a night, I enjoyed every bit of it from the people to the great weather.

And the winners are:

Best Styled Female- Nhlanhla Nciza

Best Styled Male – Stoan Seate

Hunk of the Year – Lungile Radu

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year – Lira

Sports Personality of the Year – Mulaudzi  Mbulaeni

Role model of the Year – Chriselda Kananda

Cutest Couple – Connie & Shona Ferguson

Hot Chick of the Year – Mirriam Ngomani

Fag hag of the Year - Khanyi Mbau

Musician – Lira

Socialite - Khabonina Qubeka

Drama Queen – Khanyi Mbau

Next year they should do it again, at a bigger venue and invite the public to come along because these were by far the best awards I have been to in a long time and SA needs to witness these together.

PICS BY LOUISE MCAULIFFE

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