I am sure by now you have seen who wore what to this year’s SAFTAs. Let me give you more pictures and my take on the entire experience. My suspicion that the 10th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) would live up to expectations of a glamorous evening was irrevocably sealed when I laid my eyes on the beautiful set up at Midrand’s Gallagher Estate on Sunday the 20th of March 2016. While the design language oozed creativity and sophistication, the idea behind the theme was to simply have everyone “imagine” what the future of the film and television industry could look like. The organisers did a fantastic job of bringing the theme to life. We turned up for the media briefing just after lunch time and spotted Queen B* and a handful of other TV presenters getting ready for the night. The briefing was short, sharp and sweet. So we left and after freshening up, returned to a star-studded Gallagher Estate. Armed with a brilliant camera, a notebook and a pen, we set about doing what we love doing for JC…
Celebrity make-up artist and stylist Nthato Mashishi had the unappealing job of running after Somizi Mhlongo on the red carpet with a make-up brush to touch-up SomGaGa’s face every now and then.
Despite always wanting to live in New York, Entertainment Reporter Nadia Neophytou left South Africa because entertainment reporters weren’t taken very seriously in Mzansi back in the day. Nadia was so humble and down-to-earth. You’d be forgiven for thinking she was joking about covering international red carpet events.
Criselda Dudumashe (née Kananda).
Penny “The Phly One” Lebyane was there. Penny’s always on point. I adore her!
Well the streets are talking and people are saying Katlego didn’t deserve that Best TV Presenter award. Look, I think he is the most consistent presenter in Mzansi. You can trust him to do the job and do it well.
I asked Motswako Rapper Fifi Cooper if she cashed in her cheques from the Metro FM Music Awards. She laughed and basically said she did. Congratulations Fifi. R300 000 is a lot of guap!
Mi Casa’s J’Something.
Talented actress and radio news reader Vatiswa Ndara was all smiles.
Runaway singer CiCi was with 999 Music boss Arthur Mafokate. CiCi looks like Ms Lelo B yaz.
Top Billing presenter Christopher Jaftha.
I fired up my conversation with Terry Pheto by telling her that I feel like she has hit a bit of a plateau in terms of the acting work that she can do in SA because I honestly don’t see her doing something like Zone 14 again. I reminded her that she has been lauded for her performance in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, made an appearance on The Bold and the Beautiful and was named the Face of L’Oreal Paris. I told her she’s an international star in my eyes. Well, Terry begged to differ. She reckons her career has just started in Mzansi. However, she carefully chooses her acting gigs.
Terry was styled by celebrity photographer, stylist and all-round cool kid Trevor Stuurman, who was quietly standing behind me while I was quizzing Terry about her career.
Lerato Mvelase, Nthati Moshesh, Nambitha Mpumlwana and Lucia Mthiyane. I asked Lerato what she thinks about producers snubbing talented actors and opting for celebs with a lot of Facebook and Twitter followers in the hopes that the followers will watch the shows…Lerato said it’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing talented actors can do. She also told me she’ll still be on our screens, despite being a properly trained traditional healer now.
Caught Mdu on his way out straight after the ceremony and a couple of interviews. His wife Fatima successfully avoided the cameras. Lol.
Actress and TV presenter Khanyi Mbau.
Letoya Makhene of Generations: The Legacy.
Actress Zola Nombona put her best thigh forward.
Ashes To Ashes star Nyaniso Dzedze blended western clothing with traditional regalia.
I noticed Proverb wasn’t wearing his wedding band. *Sigh* sometimes you just wish there’s no truth to the sad stories. I guess it is what it is.
Isidingo’s Motlatsi Mafatshe and Tema Sebopedi.
Busy Bee actress and radio DJ Thando Thabethe’s modern bouffant ensured that nobody missed her as soon as she walked in.
Singer and actress Noluthando Meje looked comfortable in her simple yet elegant dress.
Khabonina has the best cheekbones in the business. Lol. There’s something about her that reminds me of Lebo Mathosa. Maybe it’s because she used to be one of Lebo’s dancers.
I’m not throwing shade at Karabo Mogane, but I think Mmatema Moremi should have won Idols SA last year. While Karabo’s vocals are certainly beyond reproach, I think Mmatema is the whole package. I mean anybody that can do justice to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You has already won at this life thing. Anyway, Mmatema’s date was actor Fumani Shilubana.
Actor and comedian Siyabonga Radebe scooped an award for his role on Saints and Sinners: Season 1. Had to ask Siya to kneel down so we could get a shot of his beautiful children.
I quizzed actor Nkululeko Tshirumbula about his transition from Muvhango to Generations: The Legacy. He told me it wasn’t easy at all because on Generations he’s portraying a completely different character that’s stretching him as an actor. We spoke about the internet and how, these days, most people prefer to watch TV programmes online at their convenience as opposed to rushing home to catch an episode. Nkuli reckons it’s not a bad thing because at the end of the day people still get to see the work of TV actors.
Actress Linda Sokhulu struck me as one of those actresses that go to work and then go home to mind their own business. Think Moshidi Motshegwa or Sindi Dlathu.
Here are some of the couples we spotted……….
Mutodi Neshehe and his wife.
Sphiwe Mtshali and his wife.
Wandile Molebatsi and his wife Jessica Jane Weber. I didn’t understand why they decided it was a good idea to walk the red carpet whilst drinking wine. I mean every time they had to pose for photographs (which was very often) they had to put down the glasses. The effort! LoL! If you look in the bottom right corner of this picture you’ll see a wine glass.
Actor and TV presenter Thabiso Mokhethi and his partner.
Broadcasting genius Monde Twala and his wife.
Actress Zikhona Sodlaka had a bit of an episode with her dress. She was trying to pull it apart so she could slay us with her thigh game. Well the dress eventually sort of complied but my mind was not even there…I was just in awe of how tall she is. She was just towering over everybody. Do tall people sleep diagonally so that their feet don’t dangle? Lol. I’m kidding.
While the people of Muvhango decided to boycott this year’s SAFTAs, Dingaan Mokebe pulled through in his capacity as the presenter of SABC 2’s Speak Out.
Not sure if TV presenter-cum-actress Dineo Moeketsi was riding solo; but I spotted someone who looked like her rapper boyfriend Zothile “Solo” Langa on the red carpet.
IT Guy Masego “Maps” Maponyane was reporting for E! Entertainment Television.
Should imagine Maps dropped his jaw when he spotted this lady on the red carpet. Hahahahahaha. I’m sorry, but I had to show you this. I don’t know who she is, but I know she doesn’t have real friends. I mean the people she was with…how could they throw her under the bus like this?! Or maybe she’s just stubborn LOL!
Actor Jafta Mamabolo.
I was so happy when Nthati Moshesh scooped the award for Best Achievement by a Lead Actress in a TV Drama. My hands were in the air. “Mamohato Khumalo! From MK Events!” If you’ve watched the first season of Saints and Sinners I think you will agree that this award was well-deserved.
Meanwhile, Vusi Kunene was in demand. Ntate Jerry Mofokeng sailed in to save Mr Kunene by whisking him away.
The legendary Florence Masebe.
Kagiso posing with talented actress Brenda Ngxoli. I was a bit disappointed that Brenda didn’t bag an award, but it’s okay because she lost out to Charmaine Mtinta, who’s also very talented.
Actress Manaka Ranaka was a bit reluctant to pose for us because she once read horrible comments about her on these JC streets.
All in all, the 10th SAFTAs were what they purported to be: a glamourous star-studded affair, celebrating the work of members of the film and television industry. I really can’t fault the organisers. Having said that, I think the SAFTAs would do well to address the elephant in the room, that is the debate about diversity and giving black production companies the recognition they deserve. “Imagine” how united and stronger the industry would be!
A special thank you to Khanyisa Masebenza and Bongiwe Moeli of The Communications Firm. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you ladies.
Thank you to the NFVF and the people of the 10th SAFTAs in general. You delivered.
Noko Molokomme thank you for being such a professional lens woman.
And Kiki thank you so much for trusting me with this huge assignment.
By: KG
@KayGeeLIFE
Pics by: Noko Molokomme
@Noko_porcupine