What goes on behind-the-scenes on the red carpet at an award ceremony?
Today I'm pleased to present you with snapshots as an answer.
On Saturday night (26 August) I hit DStv's first Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards and snapped these pics to take you inside the event...
The carpet silent. Waiting for guests.
This was such a blast to the past because it highlighted what red carpets used to be - much calmer than they are now. When TVSA first started, carpets were a lot less frenzied because they were only just beginning to become a phenomenon.
There would be schlebs on them but there weren't nearly as many as there are now and the number of photographers and press pushing for a spot has risen dramatically too.
Camera crews prepare - that's MJ just behind me.
Photographers in our 21st century pose: head-in-phone. We're gonna start being born with droopy necks!
Nomuzi MOOZLIE Skhanda Queezus New Age MaBreezus Mabena (Huh, what's this??
The answer)
The team from
Touch HD.
DStv's official publicity photographer Alison Tu.
Pearl Thusi.
Makgotso M.
Me feeling awks and self conscious. All I kept thinking was: "How should I stand? Is this right or wrong?!"
Someone would make a fortune by offering courses on how to stand, walk and pose for red carpet events.
As if that wasn't self-conscious-creating enough, next thing...
Boity spotted me wearing one of her Sissy Boy Boity x jumpsuits. She was thrilled - and hott. She's as hott as you think. Smokey.
I'd never seen these people before. There were many non-schlebs who walked the carpet - more than actual ones. You could get to the event without walking the carpet but lotsa people chose to walk it instead.
I heard through the gossvine that it got very awks for some because there were photographers who didn't want to snap people if they didn't recognise them so people just sort of stood there waiting for the shot that didn't happen.
The gridlock of the carpet in full swing.
The most organised carpet I've been to was at the first MTV Awards because they announced people as they arrived.
The celebs stood to the side of the carpet and their names were called as they walked it, so everyone knew exactly who they were.
Dawn Thandeka King.
Enhle Mbali.
Rising Star winner, hip hopper Sjava.
The arrival of you-know-who was the most anticipated of the night.