Author: Melanie Ramjee

The long awaited 2020 Feather Awards nominee list is finally out.
 
The ‘usually controversial’ list announced at an intimate media gathering in Johannesburg earlier today, comprised of personalities and individuals from various industry sectors including Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sport and the Business sector. Each nominated individuals, in one way or the other, have either represented, inspired, or scandalized the LGBTIQ community with excellence and distinction over twelve months.
 
This year the theme is Turn Up the Love.
 
Dedicated to uplifting the names of LGBTIQ activists who’re doing the important work in communities across the country, the Feather Awards also pays homage to supportive media bodies, LGBTIQ student movements and selected role models who enrich and back the community.
 
Now in it’s 12th year, the Awards has evolved from solely an award celebration back in 2008 to a full array of well planned and executed LGBTIQ advocacy activations taking place throughout the year. Done in partnership with the Thami Dish Foundation, these programmes include the LGBTIQ+ Dialogues done in communities across South Africa focusing on vulnerable LGBTIQ youth and inclusion for all.
 
 
The actual Awards will take place on the 11^th November at a closed ceremony in Johannesburg.
 
“Can you believe it, we are 12 years old this year. What a ride it’s been. From starting out as a small celebration of our community , the Feathers have transformed into a gigantic well-oiled operation. Showcasing our LGBTIQ community to the world, empowering South African youth with the LGBTIQ+ Dialogues and then of course the big celebration at the end with these over the top colourful awards” comments Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards. ‘And with slight delay in all festivities this year, we are turning up the love and looking to a positive future ahead in 2021.”
 
 
Keep locked to our social media for all the updates:
 
Instagram      @FeathersSA
Twitter            @FeathersSA
Facebook      The Feathers Awards SA
 
#TurnUpTheLove
 
 
AND THE FEATHER AWARDS 2020 NOMINEES ARE……
 
Best Styled Individual
Anele Papu
Jimmy Nevis
Thishiwe Ziqubu
 
Hunk of The Year 
Ryle Rene De Morny
Gorata Nzimande
Dr. Fezile Mkhize
 
Hot Chick of The Year
Blue Mbombo
Celeste Khumalo
Siphesihle Ndaba

Sports Personality of The Year
Siya Kolisi
Bongiwe Msomi
Makazole Mampipi

Best Rainbow Parenting
Napo Masheane
Hlubi Mthimkhulu and Mduduzi Motaung
Buhlebendalo and Botshelo

Best LGBTIQ Student Movement
Up&Out Tuks
NWU LGBTI: Transformation Association
Rainbow UCT

Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Public Sector
Do Better
Do Better
Do Better

Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Private Sector
Queer Wellness Centre
Nike SA
Engage Mens Health

Diva Extraordinaire of The Year
Connie Chiume
Lindiwe Sisulu
Refiloe Modiselle

Media Award of The Year
Yim’lo
Blood & Water
The River
 
Social Media Personality of The Year 
Aus Velemina
Vuyokazi Nguqu
Siv Ngezi
Coconut Kelz
 
Cutest Couple of The Year
Nomsa & Zandile
Ricky & Tony
Sape & Vaivi
 
Role Model of The Year
Sade Giliberti
SWEAT
Dr Dulcy Stapler Rakumakoe
 
Drama Queen of The Year 
COVID-19 Solidarity Fund
The Gigabytes 

Socialite of The Year
Olwee
Sarah Langa
Shauwn Mkhize
 
Musician of The Year 
Makhadzi
Master KG
Zoe Modiga
 
Fag Hag of The Year 
Shumi Dantile
Shauwn Mhkize
Siv Ngezi
 
African Feather of the Year
Frank Mugisha
 _______________________________________________________________

ABOUT FRANK MUGISHA

Dr. Frank Mugisha is a Ugandan LGBT advocate and Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), who has won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize 2011 for his activism. Mugisha is one of the most prominent advocates for LGBT rights in Uganda.
 
ABOUT THE FEATHER AWARDS
 
Founded in 2008 by gay activists Thami Kotlolo and Joe Correira. This LGBTI Awards ceremony creating allies for the LGBTI community; recognizing and commending African queer people doing great things.

Introducing the highly anticipated South Africa Drive In Concert Experience, the first of it’s kind on the continent, was today formally announced by a local collective of the city’s top promoters and supported by  Gagasi FM.
 
This Government regulated 3-day festival is set to comply with all COVID restrictions is taking place from Thursday 22^nd October until Sunday 24^th October at the Greyville Racecourse.
 
With live music by the legendary Zakes Bantwini , Durban’s finest DJ Tira and DJ Sox, a series of dynamic cinematic experiences to Comic Relief.
 
The SA Drive In Concert is the future of outdoor festivals and the current answer to re-opening the entertainment economy & provide a safer way to experience outdoor events.
 
                 “We pride ourselves in creating tailor made events that music lovers can enjoy. Over the past decade we as an organisation have strived to curating entertainment experiences” says SA Drive In committee member Kgolo Mthembu while is colleague DJ Sox added, “The current Government regulations has crippled not just our businesses but the entire entertainment industry. With the introduction of the Drive In Festival, operating under strict measures, we are hoping to open financial opportunities for the industry again.
 
The entire experience prides itself on a contactless event from ticketing to entry and even the purchasing of food and beverages. The organisers have taken all measures to ensure patrons are safe, comfortable with an unlimited options of entertainment.
 
               “With large gatherings being categorized as high risk, we as the stakeholders in the entertainment space need to rethink and invent new ways to make these live events work” stated artist and festival promoter Zakhele Madida. “This innovative festival was created to help relieve financial stress for so many”.
 
Tickets are available for each selected performance and  prices range from R500 – R1500. Available online at Webtickets and at Pick n Pay Stores Nationwide.
 
 
SOUTH AFRICA DRIVE IN CONCERT INFORMATION
 
VENUE:              Greyville Racecourse
TIME:                  6-9pm
PRICE:               R500 – R1500 
SCHEDULE:      Thursday – Comedy Show
                           Friday  – Live Entertainment
                           Saturday – Cinema
 

For the latest updates, check out the following social media platforms:
 
Facebook         @DRIVEINCONCERT_SA
Instagram        @DRIVEINCONCERT_SA
Website           https://sadriveinconcert.co.za/
 
# DriveInConcertSA.
 
For any other enquiries or information, please see Webtickets link below:
 
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1502951350

 
The album was co-produced by musical icon and  Verzuz co-founder Timbaland, Niniola’s long-time collaborator Sarz (Beyoncé, Drake) ,  Nigerian beatmakers Kel-P and Nonso Amadi, South African Shuffle Muzik  and Teflon Zincfence (Chronixx, Koffee); from Jamaica
 
 
U.K. Afrowave boss Afro B appears on “My Body,” while South Africa’s Busiswa brings gqom flavour to the hypnotic “Oh Sharp.” Nigerian music icon Femi Kuti adds his distinctive sax tones on the Afrobeat-inspired “Fantasy,” and Kenyan quartet Sauti Sol bring a mix of reggae and Afropop vibes to the sunny, Kel P-produced “So Serious.”
 
With such diverse musical flavours throughout the album, NINIOLA’s vocals always remain singular and authentic as she brings her A-game to all 13 tracks.
 
 
                  “My music is colourful and vibrant — it’s travelled across borders and it’s being played by different ethnicities, whether black or white,” NINIOLA says, “even though my root genre is Afro-House, I can do it all -— R&B, pop, folk.  So I am basically a girl of many Colours and Sounds.”
 
 Also check out her music latest video for the Shuffle Muzik-produced Look Like Me. Directed by Clarence Peters, NINIOLA plays an array of colourful characters, reflecting the track’s celebration of individualism and women’s empowerment.
 
For more on NINIOLA and her mission, watch her appearance on this week’s edition of CNN International’s African Voices HERE.
 
Get ready for Niniola to switch up the game in 2021 on her own terms.
 
Download SOUNDS AND COLOURS on all popular downloading platforms right now.
 

Following huge international hype around her single ‘Addicted’ this past July, multi award winning Nigerian artiste Niniola dropped her much anticipated album COLOURS AND SOUNDS this month.

Celebrated as the “Queen of Afro-House” across the globe and endorsed by international giants like Beyoncé and Drake, this Nigerian singer unites the Continent and the African Diaspora on her latest offering COLOURS AND SOUNDS.

Incorporating influences from South Africa’s hypnotic Amapiano sound to Jamaican dancehall and elements of vintage Afrobeat, the album is unique in its undertaking.

1. NIGHT AND DAY feat. NONSO AMADI
2. INNOCENT (FAGBO)
3. SO SERIOUS feat. SAUTI SOL
4. ADDICTED
5. LOOK LIKE ME
6. BODA SODIQ
7. OH SHARP feat. BUSISWA
8. SKIT (TIMBALAND)
9. FIRE feat. TIMBALAND
10. MY BODY feat. AFRO B
11. FANTASY feat. FEMI KUTI
12. DESIGNER feat. SARZ
13. OMO RAPALA
14. BANA
15. ADDICTED (EXTENDED MIX)

Download NINIOLA photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4g21xkdr2yy6kin/AABiEYjHKzk1Ii9hu19Bq8MBa?dl=0
 

 ________________________________________________________________________
 
NOTE TO EDITORS

ABOUT NINIOLA
 
NINIOLA is one of the most successful and acclaimed female artists in African music. Hits like “Maradona,” “Designer” and “Boda Sodiq” have won her glowing endorsements from Drake and Timbaland: Beyoncé looked to “Maradona” for inspiration when crafting “Find Your Way Back” from 2019’s The Lion King: The Gift and 2020’s Black is King. An all-around entertainer who writes all of her own lyrics, NINIOLA is also focused on giving back through philanthropy. In 2015, she founded Adopt A Child’s Education. The charitable organization has assisted the education of over 5,000 students in Nigeria through the awarding of full scholarships; payment of tuition and fees; and the donation of school supplies and learning facilities. She released her debut album, This Is Me, in 2017.

Johannesburg, South Africa – A colourful group of the South African LGBTIQ+ community today gathered at Constitution Hill to raise the rainbow PRIDE flag in celebration of Pride Month.

Commemorating the begin of Pride Month in October, the flag-raising is a deeply symbolic gesture in the LGBTIQ+ community especially during the month of Pride. 

The event not only symbolises a celebration of the rights of the South African LGBTIQ+ community which are enshrined in our constitution, but is also a reminder of the journey the community had to face to gain their basic human rights in this country.  

Raised at Constitution Hill, home of the Constitutional Court, the PRIDE flag alongside the South African flag will be flown for the entire month of October in celebration of the LGBTQI+ community.  

                                  “Personally, for me, raising this flag symbolises that we are here, proudly, to celebrate LGBTIQ+ rights as part of South African society.  Many of our community face abuse and homophobia on a daily basis, and this flag reminds everyone that our constitution demands more … our constitution demands inclusion, dignity, respect and equality for everyone.” stated Thami Dish Foundation founder Thami Kotlolo.

BALANCED AIRPLAY ACROSS ALL THEMATIC TRACE SHOWS THIS MONTH

In a deliberate move to balance out the playing fields with their ongoing commitment to gender equality, Trace today solidified its bold pledge to institute TRACE 50_50 video airplay for womxn artists and other womxn produced content.

Following the decision taken by the team during Womxn’s Month in August, Trace consequentially began slotting in more female produced content across their channels. And with another substantial increase in September, Trace can officially confirm the move from the previous 40/60 ratio to a committed 50/50 on all their thematic shows now. Trace will also focus more on womxn generated shows and music content, further pushing their equal play agenda. 
 
A unique celebration of womxn talent – a first of its kind on the continent is finally at our doorstep.
 
This new womxn balanced airplay includes programming across Trace Africa, Trace Urban and Trace Gospel on the following shows: 
 
TRACE URBAN SHOWS
 
Femme Hour  
Trace Urban adds a more flavour to the musical treat with a brand new show – FEMME HOUR every Monday at 6 PM CAT. FEMME HOUR allows women in the music game to own their throne in a brand new way.
 
R&B VIBEZ
Want to soak your heart in music that speaks to the soul, well stay glued to your screen for the new Trace Urban show – R&B Vibez every Monday at 9 PM & Sunday at 11 AM, right here on Trace Urban
 
REWIND
Press REWIND to your favorite jams and relive the musical experience of it all. Catch Trace Rewind right here on Trace Urban every day at 9 AM
 
TRACE GOSPEL SHOWS  
 
SOUNDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 
TRACE GOSPEL brings you the best of South African Gospel Music. Enjoy 100% Mzansi Gospel Music on Sounds of South Africa every day at 4 PM and again at 9 PM CAT only on channel 332. 
 
PRAISE VIBES 
100% Praise 100% Vibes, tune in to TRACE GOSPEL for your favourite old and new Praise songs, every day at 8 AM and 7 PM CAT – ONLY ON CHANNEL 332 we are gospel music.
 
STAR UP
Get up, dress up, and get your holy groove on! Start your day on a high note, catch Star Up every day at 6 AM with your get up and go songs only on TRACE GOSPEL channel 332 – we are gospel music. 


The only exclusion for Trace 50_50 will be the ‘Chart Shows’ and ‘Playlists’ which are governed by public popularity, ranked by the number of gross audience impressions, computed by cross-referencing exact times of airplay with official viewer data. 
 
 
 
“Trace remains committed to celebrating and advancing Womxn in the music industry to ensure inclusion and equality for all. We are extremely excited about this movement, especially in light of Trace’s ongoing commitment to create gender equality, Trace 50_50 just made perfect sense in balancing out airplay for womxn in the industry” shared Trace’s Managing Director – Southern Africa & Regional Director Anglophone Africa Valentine Gaudin-Muteba,”, Yes it’s an audacious move as a music channel, but we are here for it. We are here to lead the change that is so desperately needed! At Trace we focus more on walking the talk, with the hope of paving the way until all genders have the same opportunities for airplay.”


Tune into Trace Urban (DStv channel 325) Trace Africa (DStv channel 326) and Trace Gospel (DStv channel 332) to hear more of your favourite womxn artists now. Alternatively, keep it locked on Trace social media platforms:
 
 
Facebook: @TraceSouthernAfrica
Twitter: @Trace_Inter
Instagram: @tracesouthafrica
 
#Trace50_50
 

MASTER KG, NOMCEBO ZIKODE AND LALLA HIRAYAMA CONFIRMED LINE-UP
 
OFFICIAL COUNTDOWN TO NATIONAL WALKATHON HAS BEGUN 

 Despite the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to minimise social gatherings to curb the spread of the virus, beauty, and personal care company Avon Justine last month announced that they will once again partner with non-governmental organisations to host the first-ever virtual iThemba Walkathon on Saturday, 31 October to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and education.
 
And with a killer entertainment line-up featuring global phenomena Master KG, the sensational Nomcebo Zikode and super talented DJ Lalla Hirayama confirmed today, this first-ever national, virtual iThemba Walkathon, now in its 15th annual edition is set to make history.
 
With safety being the primary concern the year, the decision to go virtual was an obvious choice, giving loyal supporters the option to participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes and neighbourhoods.
 
The funds that will be generated from registration will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Wings of Hope, Look Good…Feel Better, and Journeysys.
 
The decision to continue hosting this annual event, which is the biggest Avon breast cancer walkathon in the world, is in response to increased risk of infection and possibilities of patients developing severe complications during the lockdown due to reduced capacity of public health facilities owing to increased cases of Covid-19 infections and deferred treatment of breast cancer cases.
 
 
HOW IT WORKS
 
Participants can purchase iThemba Walkathon tickets for R150 for adults, R100 for children under the age of 12 years and free entry for children under the age of 2 years from the iThemba Walkathon www.ithembawalkathon.co.za.
 
Once the participant has registered and their registration is confirmed, they will receive a link to download an App which they can use to receive breast cancer education and reminders of the event closer to the date.
 
During the event, participants can choose any route of their choice and will receive push notifications informing them of the distance they have walked during the event.
 
The App also has a tracking functionality that allows participants to track and share their walking route in real time with their loved ones.

The App also allows participants to share their pictures on customised iThemba Walkathon frames that they can share on their favourite social media platforms by using the hashtag #iThembaWalkathon
 
“Though it is critical that we should marshal all available resources to contain the spread of Covid-19, it is equally important that we should also ensure that breast cancer patients and survivors also receive the necessary support, particularly now during these uncertain times when health facilities are under severe strain.
 
 
“By hosting the virtual national iThemba Walkathon, we are casting the net wider and giving all South Africans the opportunity to walk for a purpose and contribute meaningfully in the fight against breast cancer. This virtual national iThemba Walkathon will give survivors of breast cancer the opportunity to celebrate the milestone they have achieved, and will mark a triumph of the human spirit as encapsulated under the theme: My Time to Make  Difference, Watch me now,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Justine Turkey, Middle East & Africa.
 
The first 30 000 participants to register for the 2020 edition of the iThemba Walkathon will receive a walk pack which comprises of Avon/Justine product, a free commemorative t-shirt and other goodies from corporate voices who supports the promotion of breast health
 
As part of its breast cancer awareness drive, Avon Justine and its partners will be launching a new breast cancer logo in September.
 
More information about this the Avon breast cancer promise will be provided on https://www.avonworldwide.com/supporting-women/breast-cancer
 

About Avon Justine’s Breast Cancer Promise
 
Ensuring every woman knows the risks, knows the signs and knows how and when to take action
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
We have been at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer since 1992, when the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in the U.K. Over the last 25 years, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have donated more than $800 million USD to breast cancer causes, and educated 180 million women about the disease, and funded breast health screening for nearly 20 million women.  This has only been possible with the support of donors, our Representatives, Associates and customers worldwide.
 
With the support of the Avon Foundation, we have renewed our global commitment to the cause with the launch of the Avon Breast Cancer Promise, a multi-year pledge educating women about breast health.
 
https://my.avon.co.za/beauty-service/avon-loves-blog-home/breast-cancer/2092124/articles/