MR. GAY WORLD GRAND FINALE ARTISTS REVEALED

The hosts and performers for the Mr Gay World 2012 Grand Finale, set to take place on Sunday at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, have been announced.

As the international delegates and officials from Mr. Gay World began to arrive in South Africa, local organisers revealed that the glittering event will be hosted by South African stars Soli Philander and Cathy Specific.

Philander is a well-known television and radio presenter while Cathy Specific is the much-loved persona of acclaimed actor and cabaret singer Brendan van Rhyn.

They will be joined on stage by the group African Umoja, Ukrainian pop star Kamaliya and guest artist Baby M from Japan as well as local performers Terrence Bridgett and aleXander Steyn (who was also the runner up in the Mr. Gay South Africa contest last year).

Formed in 2009, Mr. Gay World (MGW) describes its mission as being “to advance national and international gay rights through education and public performance”.

The annual competition aims to create role models not only in their own community but on a global stage, “speaking out for equal rights by inspiring those around [them]”.

Twenty five nations will be taking part in the contest this year.

These are Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong (China), Ireland, Mexico, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA and Venezuela.

For the first time ever two black African contestants (Ethopia and Namibia) will
participate.

The delegates will take part in various events this week in Johannesburg, culminating in the awarding of the Mr. Gay World 2012 title on Sunday.

The competition has been won twice in a row by South African delegates; Charl van den Berg (2010) and Francois Nel (2011).

For a listing of the Mr. Gay World events click here. Tickets for the Grand Finale are available here.