Feather Awards 17: A Night to ‘Pause, Look and Listen to Your Heart’

By: Venecia Valentine

The 17th annual Feather Awards lit up Melrose Arch last week with a soulful reminder to pause, look, and listen to your heart. It was a dazzling celebration of authenticity, courage, and unapologetic self-expression.

A Celebration of Boldness and Truth

Hosted by the charismatic duo Khaya Dladla and Andiswa P. Gebashe, with Penny Lebyane and Troy Malange adding flair to the Pink Carpet, the night pulsed with colour, laughter, and heartfelt emotion.

From moving tributes to captivating performances, the Feather Awards once again proved why they remain one of South Africa’s most loved and influential cultural events.

Honouring Legacy and Rising Talent

This year’s ceremony struck a perfect balance between celebrating established trailblazers and spotlighting emerging voices. Seven honourees were recognised for their enduring contributions, while others were celebrated for making waves in entertainment, media, and digital spaces.

“The Feathers have always been about more than lights and glamour,” said Thami Dish, co-founder of the Feather Awards.
“This year, we wanted to remind everyone to pause, look, and truly listen — not to the noise of the world, but to the rhythm of your own heart. It’s about reflection, authenticity, and courage. In a time where everyone’s rushing through life, this night invited us to slow down, reconnect with our truth, and celebrate the power of living boldly and unapologetically.”

Performances that Moved and Electrified

Music and performance took centre stage throughout the evening.
• Lira delivered a soulful and elegant set that filled the room with emotion.
• Donovan Yaards followed with high-energy moves that kept the audience dancing.
• Lebo Toko Mathibe brought artistry and passion to the stage.
• The incomparable Busiswa closed the night with an explosive finale that transformed the event into a joyous party.

The Feather Awards 17 Winners

Hunk of the Year: Troy Malange
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year: Lilian Dube
Designer of the Year: Mzukisi Mbane
Hot Chick of the Year: Luyanda Zuma
Social Media Personality of the Year: Zaca Dominic
Best Styled Individual: Mordecai
Sports Personality of the Year: Andile Dlamini
Drama Queen of the Year: Simphiwe Dana and ‘Her’ Hairstyle
Musician of the Year: Nkosazana Daughter
Socialite of the Year: Gogo Skhotheni
Best Rainbow Parenting: Sfisio Khumalo and Vusumuzi Sobopha
Cutest Couple of the Year: Crosby Jodwana and Sean Nhlapo

Honorary Awards

• Fag Hag of the Year: Busiswa
• Role Model of the Year: Lee-che Janecke
• Media Award of the Year: Netflix
• Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative (Public Sector): Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
• Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative (Private Sector): Nedbank #PrideAtWork
• Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement: Zandile Mabaso
• African Feather of the Year: John Meletsi
• Global Feather of the Year: Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)
• Simon Nkoli Award: Luiz De Barros

A Legacy of Pride and Progress

Now in its 17th year, the Feather Awards continue to honour those who challenge stereotypes and advance equality through creativity, advocacy, and visibility. The 2025 ceremony reaffirmed the event’s commitment to celebrating individuality and promoting inclusion across South Africa’s diverse social and cultural landscape.