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Everything you missed at the Feather Awards

Cape Town - To say Thursday night’s eight annual Chevrolet Feather Awards evening was nothing but spicy would be an understatement.

One could not possibly have handled all the daggers thrown at media favourites Boity Thulo, Thembisa Mdoda, Bonang Matheba and AKA.

Hosts Lumko Johnson and Khanya Mkangisa didn’t hold back on the trending topics that had the country talking this year.

The Feather Awards, founded by Thami Kotlolo, aim to celebrate public figures who empower and inspire the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex (LGBTI) community.

And whoever wrote the evening’s script deserved a Bells. I’ve never winced so hard, while simultaneously fighting back tears of laughter.

South Africa’s elite celebrities, some politicians and LGBTI members flocked to the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami. It was a star-studded affair with many a fashion faux pas to take in.

Radio and TV personality Somizi, in all-blue torn jeans, blazer and hat ensemble with red-soled Louboutin heels thrown in, stood out.

Guests and nominees trickled along the red carpet in their sporadic numbers while Champagne, wine, orange juice and savoury finger foods waited at the entrance.

The evening went smoothly, save for a late start and an awkward moment when an award was mistakenly dropped and the pink diamond on it broke off.

The tongue-biting category, Drama Queen of the Year, went to AKA, DJ Zinhle, Euphonik and Bonang, whose public social-media spats beat Kani and Mdoda.

Cutest couple went to Somizi and long-time friend TT Mbha. And, of course, Somizi didn’t shy away from throwing shade at former BFF Bonang.

“Friends have come and gone, and boy have they gone. From your gay B!, I’m out,” he signed off in his acceptance speech, the room erupting with laughter.

Olympic champion and South Africa’s golden girl, Caster Semenya, scooped both the Role Model and Sports Personality of the Year awards, although she wasn’t in attendance.

The Best-Styled Female award went to Rockville actress and Black Coffee’s wife, Mbali Mlotshwa, who beat fellow nominees Bonang Matheba and Dineo Moeketsi.

Mother of the Nation Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was named the diva extraordinaire, beating fellow nominees, journalists Iman Rappetti and Redi Tlhabi. (This was a no-brainer, why were they in the category?)

The prestigious Feather of the Year award went to late footballer and LGBT rights activist Eudy Simelane, whose mother accepted the award on her behalf.

Guests were treated to performances by the likes of NaakmusiQ, DJ Tira, Dbn Nyts, Dr Malinga, 3Sum’s Amstel, Kelly Khumalo, KB Motsilanyane and Idols SA’s Shenay O’Brien. Bar and food followed, and the mandatory taking of selfies

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