Namibian Sun

The air was absolutely popping with energy and enthusiasm at the Sandton International Convention Centre last week Saturday, where the second annual DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards (DMVCAs) took place. There were dramatic gowns, dapper suits, edgy hairstyles and a lot of lights, cameras and action as the Mzansi celebrities came out to slay and play.

From the elegant black carpet walked by the crème-de-a-crème of Mzansi's sport and entertainment, to the electrifying performances on an immaculate stage, the DMVCAs were nothing short of the South African entertainment industry show-off.

Hosted by the ever-magnificent self-proclaimed queen Bonang Matheba in one glorious gown after another, she introduced a litany of stars to present the 13 awards to a packed live audience and countless home viewers. Matheba held down the two-hour show with finesse and unsurprisingly blew up social media with her jaw-dropping outfit changes that included sparkling gowns, figure-hugging dresses and a very Beyoncé-esque royal headpiece. Without making it completely awkward, Matheba had to run to the stage to accept her award during a wardrobe change where she thanked the B-Force who voted for her and supported her, always.

Mzansi saluted the best of local sport and entertainment with a production to rival the best in the world. The black lacquered stage was the focus as numerous dance styles were performed to music by the likes of Kwesta, Sjava, Bucie, Sun-El Musician, Mlindo The Vocalist, Sho Madjozi, Dumi Mkokstad, Ntokozo Mbambo and Khaya Mthethwa, among many others.

However, the night's best performance easily went to the 30-year music legend, Rebecca Malope, who had the house on its feet during a high-octane performance of a hits combination that turned the awards celebration into a spiritual revival. The gospel queen, sis Reebs, who has over 31 albums to date, was presented with the prestigious 1Life Legend Award by another music icon, Lindelani Mkhize. In an emotional acceptance speech, she gave glory to God, thanked her family and fans, and paid tribute to those who came before her as well as her peers. In her speech, she pleaded with music lovers to be lenient with entertainers as they too are human.

“So many entertainers across the world are dying famous and poor. We as artists comfort a lot of people in our country and all over the world, but who comforts us in times of need and despair. We are human too, you know, and the only thing we need is someone to hear us,” she said.

Another highlight of the night was from the Mafikizolo duo. The Happiness singers indeed put their best foot forward with vocalist Nhlanhla Nciza seemingly performing magic with her blink-of-an-eye quick costume changes, including a fetching silver space princess outfit with hair to match. The duo performed some throwback classics and mixed them up contemporary hits, proving that they were still very much Mzansi's adored music group across generations.

Like last year, the night was not only reserved for the famous. The 1Life Life Changer Award, which is awarded to someone making a difference in their community, went to mechanic Moss Lehlokoa, who teaches youth in Diepsloot panel beating. He, along with his nominator, walked off with R50 000 each. A lucky voter also won a spanking new Kia Rio TEC Automatic.

The Queen actress, Thembsie Matu, took the biggest award of the night, DStv Ultimate Favourite Viewers' Choice, presented by last year's recipient Thembisa Mdoda and MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, Yolisa Phahle. As the mouthy housekeeper Patronella, Matu keeps thumbs busy on Twitter with her funny shenanigans. It's no wonder that she was also voted favourite actress. An overwhelmed Matu thanked fans who voted and those who wanted but couldn't, endearing herself even more to Mzansi.

DJ Maphorisa featuring Moonchild and Zulu Mkhathini closed off the show on a high with their chart-topper, iWalk Ye Phara. Their performance was made even more special as social media event promoter Dimpie Dimpopo joined them on stage, bringing to life what his fans love about his videos.



And the winners are:

Favourite Song of the Year - Prince Kaybee and LaSoulmates ft Zanda Zakuza and TNS – Club Controller

Favourite TV Presenter - Pearl Modiadie

1Life Life Changer - Moss Lehlokoa

Favourite Comedian - Skhumba

Favourite Personality of the Year - Bonang Matheba

Favourite Rising Star - Distruction Boyz

Favourite Radio Personality - Ntate Thuso Motaung

Favourite Actor - Warren Masemola

Favourite Actress - Thembsie Matu

Favourite Music Artist or Group - Khuzani

Favourite DJ - Black Coffee

Favourite Sports Personality - Caster Semenya

Ultimate Viewers' Choice - Thembsie Matu

1Life Legend Award - Rebecca Malope

June Shimuoshili