Interview with the OG winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, Bebe Zahara Benet

Jungle Kitty incarnate, Bebe Zahara Benet is renowned as the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Since appearing on season one, Bebe has toured internationally, produced original music, worked on charitable projects and been an advocate queer African excellence.

Known for her impeccable runway looks and poised confidence, Bebe helped shape and propel the iconic reality TV show at its inception and returned for All Stars 3 to wow fans new and old, reaching the final 4 of the season. In our conversation with Bebe we discuss performance mishaps, All Stars and advice for fans.

Do you ever still get nerves when you’re about to go on stage?

I never get nervous but I do get anxious. I am a ball of energy. When I am ready to go on stage, I just unleash it once the lights hit me.

 

You’re gonna hear me ROAR… #TheLionQueen #JungleKitty #Meow #SavageBeauty #ImPussyBitch #TheOriginal Photo: @createdbyalvan Look: Raeann Hair: @_anadu_ Styling: @thatdiegoguy

A post shared by BeBe Zahara Benet (@bebezahara) on Aug 15, 2018 at 7:42am PDT

 

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you or you have seen while performing? 

Last year, I was performing a Christmas show in Minneapolis. I was performing a soulful, almost gospel-like number and a part of the zipper on my gown popped and began to split in the middle of the song. I felt it, but the show had to go on so I continued to perform without turning my back on the audience. Even as I exited the stage, I did a bit of a side step to ensure that no one caught the malfunction  - and they didn’t!

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Do you have a favourite song or number you perform?

I really love performing Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.” But “He Lives in You” from The Lion King is probably my favourite song to perform. 

 

 

Beam me up, Wakanda! ‍♀️ #FaceFaceFace #AnotherDayAnotherSlay #Camerooon #WalkingChildrenInNature #TheOriginal Look: @trixiofthesea Hair: @_anadu_

A post shared by BeBe Zahara Benet (@bebezahara) on Aug 8, 2018 at 6:47am PDT

 

Since being on All Stars, how would you say your style of drag and performance has changed?

I don’t think my style or performance has changed since being on All Stars. From Season 1, however, I’ve learned to take more risks and really have more fun with my style and even the numbers I perform. I don’t take things so seriously and it’s made me a much better entertainer.

If you could describe your fans in one sentence?

My fans are legends, icons and superstars. In one word: everything! They are the reason I am still doing what I do, and I am so grateful for their support.

 

 

Australia, you were incredible! You made my first time Down Under unforgettable.