From Gayton McKenzie to Maglera Doe Boy, Feather Awards’ give props to allies in the LGBTQIA community
As a fun, queer award ceremony that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, the Feather Awards always presents an entertaining list of nominees under interesting categories, and this year is no different.
Founded by Thami Dish, the Feather Awards aim to create allies for the LGBTQIA+ community while recognising and commending African queer people making significant contributions. This year’s theme is “Borderless Existence.”
The timing could not be more perfect as South Africa celebrates its Pride Month this October. The Feather Awards has shared the nominees for its 16th annual ceremony, with intriguing categories such as Best Styled Individual, Diva Extraordinaire, Hot Chick of the Year, and Hunk of the Year, to name a few.
The nominees are captivating, especially considering what they have been nominated for.
IOL spotlights some of the most interesting nominees:
Best Styled Individual
Nominated for Best Styled Individual are local rapper Maglera Doe Boy, Lunathi Mampofu, and Nomalanga Shozi, but the spotlight is on none other than Maglera Doe Boy, real name Tokelo Moyake, who has been one of the most influential rappers to date and is not shy about exploring and playing around with different fashionable looks while making a statement.
He recently received recognition from GQ magazine and won a Best Street Style award for his outstanding looks.
Hot Chick of the Year
Award-winning actress Lunathi Mampofu, best known for her role as Emma on The River, has been killing the red carpet with her seamless looks.
From Miss SA to the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), her outfits have been far from boring and consistently impressive —absolutely refreshing and breathtaking. She is nominated alongside Kwa Njomane’s Ntokozo Mhlongo and Tyla.
Drama Queen of the Year
The Drama Queen of the Year contenders are Nara Smith, Tshedi and Bongani of Malaika, and podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa. While they have all been involved in quite some drama this year, Nara Smith stands out as this is her second South African award nomination.
In August, Smith’s nomination for Food Influencer of the Year upset many who felt she did not deserve it, believing that the organisation snubbed Onezwa Mbola, also a food influencer, whom Smith allegedly stole content from.
Socialite of the Year
It’s fair to say the leader of Patriotic Alliance and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has been a social butterfly on social media this year, getting into fitness advocacy and encouraging South Africans to eat healthily after almost losing his breath while chanting at an election rally earlier this year.
He has dedicated every Wednesday to weighing himself to keep up with the weight loss results. The minister, who does not shy away from the cameras nor does he mind making a promise, is nominated alongside Kgomotso Seboko and the Icebolethu Group, yes, the funeral parlour... deathby.
I have lost 400g this week, I have lost around 13kgs since I stared this fitness & health journey. I cannot begin to describe how super I feel, give it a try 👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/naSZpqQxTI
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 4, 2024
Designer of the Year
The talented Thebe Magugu has been making major moves, telling a story with every stitch. His heirloom pieces have draped award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and former first lady Michelle Obama in immortalised outfits, designed with their loved one’s face on the shweshwe-inspired print material.
He also recently showcased his spring/summer 2025 collection, titled “Reparations,” at the Tranoï show at Paris Fashion Week, inspired by his previously estranged father and their reconciliation.
Orapeleng Modutle, Justice, and Fhatu Mukheli join Magugu as nominees in the Designer of the Year category.
Not only do the awards honour LGBTQIA+ individuals, but they also honour under represented groups like the hearing and visually challenged.
Khaya Dladla and Dineo Langa will host the 16th annual Feather Awards, which will be held on Nov. 9 at 1 Fox, Johannesburg.
IOL