2025 Feather Awards: Nkosazana Daughter named Musician of the Year

The awards, which recognise individuals and organisations that promote visibility, inclusion and representation within South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community, returned under the theme Pause, Look and Listen to Your Heart.

Hosted by Khaya Dladla and Andiswa P. Gebashe, with Penny Lebyane and Troy Malange on the pink carpet, the event celebrated both established figures and emerging talents.

“The Feathers have always been about more than the lights and glamour; they’re about reflection, authenticity, and courage,” Feather Awards co-founder Thami Dish said. “This night was an invitation to slow down, reconnect with your truth, and celebrate the power of living boldly and unapologetically.”

Other notable winners included Lilian Dube (Diva Extraordinaire of the Year), Mzukisi Mbane (Designer of the Year), Andile Dlamini (Sports Personality of the Year), and Busiswa, who received the honorary Fag Hag of the Year award.

Below is the full list of winners:

Musician of the Year

• Nkosazana Daughter
• Craig Lucas
• Mawhoo

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

• Luyanda Zuma
• Natasha Joubert
• Caylene

Social Media Personality of the Year

• Zaca Dominic
• Shoun B
• Thobi Mashitiso

Best Styled Individual

• Mordecai
• Kagiso Mogola
• Mawhoo

Sports Personality of the Year

• Andile Dlamini
• Refiloe Jane
• Dirkie Chamberlin

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 in the Public Sector

• The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill

Global Feather of the Year

• Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)

Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement

• Zandile Mabaso

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector

• Nedbank #PrideAtWork

African Feather of the Year

• John Meletsi

Simon Nkoli Award

• Luiz De Barros