Hostess with the Most-ess Shalula Davenport sat down with the Funky Picnic interns for an interview. They took this opportunity to explore international drag culture. Shalula describes herself as “telenovela on acid” and feeds off the energy of her adoring crowd. Find out more about Shalula and drag. Who knows, you might learn something!

Over the years drag has developed into an art form. The explosion of drag in culture in recent decades has allowed groups of performers and drag artists to develop their own regional flavor. Every culture is different, which means each culture's drag scene is very unique. Here are a few examples of international drag communities.

Brazil

Brazil has cultivated a melting pot of drag culture. The rise of Brazilian drag came in the 90’s with the mainstream success of queens like RuPaul. Gay bars and drag balls had been around since the 50’s and 60’s, but it rose to prominence as an artform in the 90’s. Now, Brazil has a truly wide range of drag styles.

Nigeria

Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria, making its drag community very small. However, Nigeria has a thriving underground drag ball and dance scene. The popular style is glamor; glamorous makeup and big ball gowns. Many queens experience extreme homophobia both in and out of drag, the community is in fear of police raids on a nightly basis. Despite this, some queens found solace in social media as a way to express their creativity. 

Thailand

Thailand is a melting pot of drag culture. As a tourism country the drag scene is extremely diverse. Many popular drag artists become actresses in television and movies. Thailand was the first country outside the US to air its own version of Rupaul’s Drag. The gender binary is open compared to other countries. Trans femme performers and drag queens build elaborate performances, taking pride in their ingenuity and creativity. 

Sources:

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/4d31a84c-36e9-4c66-8519-cd470608e05e

• https://ezratemko.com/drag/drag-around-the-world/

Shalula is one of the fantastic hosts of Kiki with the Kweens. A hostess with the most-ess that packs a real punch. Our Funky Picnic interns sat down with Shalula to hear her story.

How did you come up with the name Shalula?

It kind of became its own thing, most people associate it with the hot sauce but it originally wasn't. I was a big reality tv person growing up, always stuck to the tv a lot especially reality tv.

There was a show called “Bad Girls Club” there was a girl on there her name was Shalone and she had a weird dialect or something where she said ‘sha’ in front of everything so; whenever they were going out she would say “Lets sha-party, we’re going to get sha-drunk”. My sister and I were watching tv and picking drag names. 

I thought ‘Lula’ because it sounded like a good latin name, a good stripper name so that was cute, kind of what i wanted to give. So we were both a little under the influence and came up with Sha- Lula. I thought it was really funny and cute! I carried that name and didn’t realize it sounded like the hot sauce until one day someone said ‘Oh, it’s like hot sauce!’.

 I was like ‘oh wow, I didn’t realize!” but now it’s the easiest way to get people to remember. Like the hot sauce, but not!

What’s your drag inspiration?

I have a lot of drag inspirations; I originally started as a club kid so a lot of other big club kids like James St James, Lee Bowery, RuPaul, a lot from the club kid movement.

 Also a lot of inspiration growing up in a latin household from divas in like telenovelas and music like Selena, Maria Felix, Isabella Pantoja, Carmen Miranda; big ladies in the latin community.

 I like to have a mixture; Latina dramatic crazy funny stuff like that.

When was the first time you did drag?

I have two first times. 

One, the first time I was ever in drag. I was hosting parties in clubs dressed in drag, just hosting parties not really performing. 

Then I started a  little amateur competition in Oklahoma. I was looking at the drag scene and it lacked a little color and spice. So as a proud latino I decided let’s go and represent!

What’s your signature drag?

Telenovela on acid; I love giving very glamorous put together but also just having a good time! 

What's some advice you have for pursuing drag?

Take the time to see what works for you and how well you can incorporate that into everything you’re doing

Lightning Round! ⚡

Who is “Shalula”?

Shalula is the spicy crazy latina you grew up with who ate hot cheetos for breakfast and drinking Arizona tea

What drag queen do you look up to the most?

I have to be biased and say my drag mother Kennedy Davenport; not only because she's a big reality tv star but I looked up to her even before I became a part of her family. The way she uses her platform to uplift the community is why I look up to her so much.

What’s your pre-show ritual?

Honestly, sleeping until the last minute when I know I have to get up. If the show is at 11:30 I will get up at 10:30.

Another ritual is being backstage with the other entertainers, kiki-ing and having a good time to really bring the best vibes to the show

Have you always loved performing? 

Yeah, I wasn’t the best when I started out but I’ve gotten better thank god! It's not really performing for myself but the energy the audience feels while I perform that keeps me going

If all these people are having a good time, it makes me want to have a better time while i’m performing!

What’s your signature drag dance?

It’s a mixture of different dances: in the drag community we call it bucking. The high kicks, the splits, the jump splits, helicopter splits, all those kinds of high energy moves.

Kiki with the Kweens!

Check Shalula out at our Funky Picnic drag shows every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month! Hosted with her best friend Miss Venom, these shows are the best way to start your Saturday. Find the next one on our Event Calendar!