Late fashion stylist and entertainment journalist Maria McCloy to be honoured at the Feather Awards
This month, Maria stands to be awarded a special award named after her. The Maria McCloy Award by the 18th Feather Awards. To be held at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on October, 2026.
By Edward Tsumele
She came. She wrote Johannesburg lifestyle. She defined its stylish fashion. Set a trend for fashionistas with her unconventional designs, particularly her accessories that many a famous woman had to wear, not simply because of peer pressure- though of course there was-but because they were different. She knew where the underground parties were in belly of Johannesburg, simply because she walked its streets. Breathed its air. Was comfortable on Johannesburg’s streets. Irrespective of the infamous crime that stalks its streets. Forcing the teemed and probably wise, to retreat into the safety of their high walls and shiny and glass walled suburban night clubs.
However, the casualness with which Maria sauntered on the streets of Johannesburg, it was as if, she was spared from the infamous crime.
But then life gave her a cruel blow. She died at the age of 50. Sudden and painful to those who loved her that were left behind.
Just a few months prior to her death, she had thrown a big party to celebrate her milestone. It took place Maria McCloy style. Big and at a number of venues with her friends present. Some flying in from all over the world –rest of the African continent and as far as the US. It was as if, she knew her time had arrived, and she needed to say good bye to them in Maria style -parties where musicians and DJs performed, while others danced, ate, drank and gossiped about each other. That anyway, is the nature of Johannesburg friendships. Fickle and ephemeral. Not even Maria was spared.
Word from those who were invited say it was one of the best parties in town, celebrating a life lived. Lived fully. Lived purposefully. Enjoyed well. Impactful even.
This month, Maria stands to be awarded a special award named after her. The Maria McCloy Award by the 18th Feather Awards. This post-humous honour, adds to another post-death recognition. The continuation of her popular gig guide, The Maria McCloy Gig Guide. Name after her demise. It still runs today under her name with all-arts PR madam Bridget Van Oerle compiling it. She is actually doing well with that Daily Maverick gig guide, taking off from where Maria left it.
2026 Feather Awards nominees & honorary recipients
Best Styled Individual
Banele Ndaba
Siya Bunny
Kagiso Mogola
Hunk of the Year
Sdumo Mtshali
Vuyo Biyela
Teddy Geldart (DopeZuluboi)
Musician of the Year
Thando Zide
Manana
Zee Nxumalo
Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative
Other Village People
Social Media Personality of the Year
Primo Baloyi
Grace Mondlana
Coachella Randy
Drama Queen of the Year
Credo V Daniels
Mel Viljoen
Limpopo Boy
Media
Black Burns Fast
Hot Chick of the Year
Desiree Komi
Kitso Kgori
Dominic Zaca
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Miss Gaga
Best LGBTQIA+ Private Sector Initiative
ABSA
Best LGBTQIA+ Public Sector Initiative
Prof. Zozo Nene
Sports Personality of the Year
Coach Desiree Ellis
Cutest Couple of the Year
Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba
Honorary recipients
Fag Hag of the Year
Thobeka Mbane
Maria McCloy Award
Maria McCloy
Simon Nkoli Award
To be announced
Role Model of the Year
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle
Global Feather of the Year
Hillary Shimi – Namibian Lesbian Festival Pride PopUp
Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative
Other Village People
Best LGBTQIA+ Private Sector Initiative
ABSA
Best LGBTQIA+ Public Sector Initiative
Prof. Zozo Nene
Media
Black Burns Fast
The theme for this year’s awards which will take place at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on October…2026 is The Signature Edition.
Founder of the Feather Awards, Thami “Thami Dish” Willis, framed the 2026 theme as a personal and national challenge: “We are 18. This is the age of signature – an age where the choices you make matter, and where your name becomes a binding pledge. South Africa is asking its youth to sign on the dotted line of history, and we refuse to let that moment pass by in silence. The funding landscape is punishing, and young people are being told there is no budget for their future. But we have never waited for permission. We have always built our own table. Feather Awards 18 is about showing up, speaking plainly, and adding your name to the future you want.”