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Feather Awards XVII Nominees Announced
6 November 2025 @ 4:00 pm – 7 November 2025 @ 12:00 am
FEATHERS AWARDS XVII ANNOUNCE NOMINEES WITH A SOULFUL CALL TO ‘PAUSE, LOOK AND LISTEN TO YOUR HEART’
The countdown to one of South Africa’s most glamorous celebrations has officially begun! Feather Awards XVII, the premier platform recognising excellence and influence within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, is thrilled to announce its nominees for 2025.
Set to take place on Thursday, 6 November 2025, the ceremony will return to a soon-to-be-revealed iconic Johannesburg location that promises to be the pulsating heart of the festivities. This year, the Feathers invite everyone to embrace the 2025 theme: “Pause, Look, and Listen to Your Heart.” In a fast-paced world, it’s a soulful call to slow down, reconnect with our inner truths, and celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically.
“While we love the glamour and the fashion, the Feather Awards have always been the heartbeat of a movement. In a time where the global environment for queer people is increasingly challenging, our role in fostering crucial dialogue, driving awareness, and advocating for tangible policy change is more vital than ever. We are a platform that doesn’t just celebrate; we agitate, educate, and work towards a safer and more equitable South Africa for all.”
Co-founder Thami Dish emphasises the deeper purpose behind the event:
Feather Awards XVII recognises both legacy and rising stars. Seven categories will honour profound impact, while the remaining awards feature nominees who have lit up screens, airwaves, and social media feeds over the past year.
Nominees for 2025 include:
- Hunk of the Year: Troy Malange, FreshbyCaddy, Prince Beez
- Diva Extraordinaire of the Year: Lilian Dube, Kefilwe Mabote, Jojo Robinson
- Hot Chick of the Year: Natasha Joubert, Luyanda Zuma, Caylene
- Social Media Personality of the Year: Zaca Dominic, Shoun B, Thobi Mashitiso
- Best Styled Individual: Kagiso Mogola, Mordecai, Mawhoo
- Sports Personality of the Year: Refiloe Jane, Andile Dlamini, Dirkie Chamberlin
- Musician of the Year: Nkosazana Daughter, Craig Lucas, Mawhoo
- Fag Hag of the Year (Honorary): Busiswa
- Role Model of the Year (Honorary): Lee-che Janecke
- Media Award of the Year (Honorary): Netflix
- Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector (Honorary): The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
- Global Feather of the Year: Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)
- Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement (Honorary): Zandile Mabaso
- Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector (Honorary): Nedbank #PrideAtWork
- African Feather of the Year: John Meletsi
- Simon Nkoli Award: Luiz De Barros
Join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration, honouring the extraordinary individuals making a difference in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Stay connected for the latest updates and winner announcements:
- Website: www.featherawards.co.za
- X (Twitter): @FeathersSA
- Instagram: @featherssa
- Facebook: The Feather Awards SA
- Hashtags: #Feathers17 #PauseLookAndListen #FeatherAwardsXVI #BorderlessExistence
Social Media Captions:
- X (Twitter, <280 characters):
Feather Awards XVII nominees are here! 🌈✨ Celebrate LGBTQIA+ excellence with the 2025 theme: Pause, Look & Listen to Your Heart. #Feathers17 #PauseLookAndListen Visit #UrbanLifestyle for more: https://urbanlifestylesa.co.za/2025/10/15/fashions-most-wanted-top-30-revealed/ - Facebook:
The Feather Awards XVII nominees are officially announced! 🌈✨ Celebrate LGBTQIA+ excellence, representation, and courage this 6 November in Johannesburg. #Feathers17 #PauseLookAndListen Visit #UrbanLifestyle for full details: https://urbanlifestylesa.co.za/2025/10/15/fashions-most-wanted-top-30-revealed/ - Instagram:
Feather Awards XVII nominees are out! 🌈✨ Pause, Look & Listen to Your Heart and celebrate LGBTQIA+ excellence this 6 November in Johannesburg. Full details in the bio. #Feathers17 #PauseLookAndListen #UrbanLifestyle
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