Thembsie Matu, Malope shine at Viewers’ Choice awards

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka recently in Johannesburg
LEGENDARY gospel musician, Rebecca Malope, was on Saturday evening honoured with a moving tribute at the second edition of the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards held at the Sandton International Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Malope had the house on its feet during a high-octane performance of a hits medley that turned the awards celebration into a spiritual revival.

Dr Reebs, as she is affectionately known by her legion of fans, 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 other music legends.

Mafikizolo also 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 with contemporary hits proving that they were still Mzansi’s favourite group across generations.

The show had all the sparks of a thriller considering the who is who of Mzansi who attended the event.

There were dramatic gowns, dapper suits, edgy hairstyles and a lot of lights, cameras and action.

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 an industry show-off.

Hosted by the ever sublime Bonang Matheba in one magnificent gown after another, she introduced a litany of stars to present the 13 awards to a packed live audience and countless home viewers.

She 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.

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 a myriad of 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.

But 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 panel beating to youths in Diepsloot.

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 ft Moonchild and Zulu Mkhathini closed off the show on a high with their chart-topper, iWalk Ye Phara.

Below is a full list of winners:

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

Favourite TV Presenter
Pearl Modiadie

Favourite Comedian
Skhumba

Favourite Rising Star
Distruction Boyz

Favourite Radio Personality
Ntate Thuso Motaung

Favourite Personality of the Year
Bonang Matheba

Favourite Actor
Warren Masemola

Favourite Actress
Thembsie Matu

Favourite Music Artist or Group
Khuzani