AKA, Bonang, Somizi make Top 20 on BET A-List

The Westcliff Hotel provided an enchanting backdrop for the announcement of who made the honourary list of 2016’s top 20 South African movers and shakers, the BET A-List.

The Arcadia Ballroom was filled with the cream of South Africa’s celebrity crop as they awaited their moment in the spotlight as hosts, newly married and pregnant, Nandi Madida and Ayanda Thabethe, announced the honourees.

The big names of the night included the “it” couple, Bonang Matheba and AKA, Olympic champs Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk, and TV/film producers Shona and Connie Ferguson, who made the list as game changers (TV/film).

Television power couple @Connie_Ferguson and @Shona_Ferguson just graced the black carpet @BET_Africa #BETAList pic.twitter.com/Mto5weB2fI

— IOL - Tonight (@IOLtonight) September 7, 2016

Matheba appeared in a lilac dress on the red carpet while AKA, who said he was off for the night, stood and took pictures of her with the event photographers.The Fergusons appeared on the red carpet together with Connie wearing a white-and-gold dress with shimmering sequins.

Monde Twala, the vice-president of BET, youth and music at Viacom International Media Networks Africa, said: “We are excited to reveal our new flagship entertainment show BET A-List and to simultaneously highlight individuals and groups who we feel are in a class of their own – men and women who are achieving above and beyond, flying the flag for South Africa beyond our borders and helping to transform our culture.

Goliath brothers @JasonGoliath @DonovanGoliath @nickgoliath named A-List comedians @BET_Africa #BETAList pic.twitter.com/W2F1FdnlNl

— IOL - Tonight (@IOLtonight) September 7, 2016

These are the people whose names are on everyone’s lips, who are wanted on every red carpet, and who you’ll find at the top of every guest list in the country.”

The BET A-List dinner will be broadcast on the BET channel (DStv channel 129) next Thursday at 6.35pm.

Fresh from a great run at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, fashion designer David Tlale was named A-List style icon, while the Sidlukotini rapper, Riky Rick, was honoured for his keen dress sense as the BET A-List’s most stylish musician.

He arrived dressed in what looked like a private-school uniform gone high fashion. “We’re happy for whatever comes our way if it comes our way,” he said.

Honoured as BET A-List director was Thabang Moleya, who directed Tell Me Sweet Something. He looked dapper in a navy suit with colourful socks. He said he felt like BET was doing great work. “It’s a great initiative by BET. I think it’s very important for the industry to acknowledge and recognise the people who are really making a difference in the industry. To just take a moment to say ‘Thank you, you’re doing well’ and ‘Keep going’, so thank you BET,” he said.

Congratulations to everyone tonight @BET_Africa #BETAList🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ucPMWOvcWS

— Nkanyezi Kubheka ® (@NkanyeziKubheka) September 7, 2016

The BET A-LIST 2016 winners are:

BET A-List Radio & TV personality (female): Bonang Matheba

BET A-List Radio & TV personality (male): Somizi Mhlongo

BET A-List Actress: Terry Pheto

BET A-List Director: Thabang Moleya

BET A-List Writer: Zakes Mda

BET A-List Game Changers (TV/film): Shona and Connie Ferguson

BET A-List Comedians: Nicholas, Donovan and Jason Goliath

BET A-List DJ: Black Coffee

BET A-List Game Changer (music): Cassper Nyovest

BET A-List Rising Star: Nasty CBET A-List Most Stylish Musician: Riky Rick

BET A-List Style Icon: David Tlale

BET A-List Social Media Star: AKA

BET A-List Sportswoman: Caster Semenya

BET A-List Sportsman: Wayde van Niekerk

BET A-List Philanthropist: DJ Sbu

BET A-List Entrepreneur: Khanyi Dhlomo

The Star