Credit where credit is due and we can all agree that in the last decade prides across the UK have become a lot more diverse and inclusive, but as one drag queen pointed out, you’ll probably not see much representation when it comes to disability.
Sassi Afrika is a drag queen living with cerebral palsy, and she’s determined not to let it define her, but as a Tweet she wrote recently pointed out, you’re probably unlikely to find her (or other performers who are disabled) performing her act at any other pride aside from Warwickshire Pride, because as she says, “LGBT+ people with disabilities get overlooked”.
Yesterday Sassi took to Twitter to write,
“Coming to a Pride near you… Oh hang on, maybe not because LGBT+ people with disabilities get overlooked in favour of crowd pleasers and acts that aren’t even LGBT+. I’ll keep talking about this. Because this is life.”
Daniel Browne, the chair of Warwickshire Pride, a pride which has championed local acts and at least 75% LGBT+ representation on its stage wrote,
“Sassi deserves more respect. And some Prides need to be more representative of the whole LGBT+ community. Less cishet (cis-gendered and hetrosexual) acts. More LGBT+ artists and diversity within that. And stop charging an entry fee.
“An inclusive Pride should be a free Pride.”
Sassi later added,
“Gurrl I know I’ve been having a moan. But sometimes I gotta keep it real and say it how it is. We should all be more like that. Never put up with shit. Be you and speak the truth. Now, aren’t I looking gorgeous today.”
With Warwickshire Pride’s sixth annual event just around the corner, we speak with Warwickshire’s most vibrant Drag Queen, Sassi Afrika on why pride is still important in 2018…
(C) THEGAYUK
…and who her favourite act on the Warwickshire Pride stage is.
THEGAYUK: Sassi Afrika is back at Warwickshire Pride‘s main stage this year, what can we expect? Sassi Afrika: You’re right, Sassi is back. There’s no stopping me honey. Everyone knows that. This year I’m presenting the main stage at Warwickshire Pride again. They have agreed to let me out of the cage they impounded me in after last year’s festival. You can expect lots of fabulous talent. The talent is outstanding this year. We have a very diverse lineup, which is how it should be. There is also the Big Rainbow Bake Off. I’m judging and presenting the contest. My next 3D lipo session is booked for a few days after I’ve tasted all those cakes. We also have speeches on stage and lots of fun for all the community.
TGUK: Why is Warwickshire Pride so important? SA: I believe Warwickshire Pride is very important because it is a grassroots, community movement. It’s not commercial. It’s not all about making money. It’s about putting on something great for the community. We are fully inclusive and welcoming to all people. We try to create something in the spirit of what Pride was all about, while also celebrating how far we have come. I think Warwickshire Pride pulls it off quite nicely. Y’all be blessed now.
“Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time.”
TGUK: Why is Pride important to Sassi? SA: Pride is very important to me honey. The LGBT+ community took me in when I landed on Earth and now I’m part of the family. But seriously, Pride is important to me because it’s nice to be part of something where I can be myself and be accepted for who I am. I have been discriminated against and assaulted for being LGBT+ and for having disabilities. Pride as a movement is still so important and I am proud to be part of it.
TGUK: It takes a lot to put on a pride event – do you think people take pride for granted? SA: I don’t think many people realise how much hard work goes into putting on a Pride event. I do believe that a lot of people take it for granted, whether they realise it or not. Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time. On the flip side, there are people who really appreciate Pride and understand how much time, effort and money it takes to put it on. I just wish more people would understand and help. But hey, we do what we can as Pride organisers and I do it all with a dash of sass.
“Sassi is single and ready to mingle”.
TGUK: What’s your favourite thing about Pride? SA: My favourite thing about Pride is seeing so many people coming together for a celebration of diversity. That and the fit guys I can eye up from the stage. Yes, honey, Sassi is single and ready to mingle. I do like seeing everyone at Pride and being who they are. It’s important that everyone has that opportunity to be who they are, without prejudice and judgement.
TGUK: Could RuPaul’s Drag Race Handle Sassi? SA: Let’s be honest, can anyone handle the sass I bring? I’d like to see Mama Ru and Drag Race try.
“We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride”.
TGUK: Who’s your favourite act to have performed on the Warwickshire Pride stage? SA: My favourite act to have performed at Warwickshire Pride is me. What else can I say… No, I’m joking. I tell you who was really good. Angie Brown. She can sing and puts on a great show. She is also a really nice person and I adore her. I also think Jordan Gray is fantastic, and Feryl is very good too. But one thing I like about Warwickshire Pride is all the local acts we have. We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride. We have to represent the people that the event is for. Otherwise, we are failing. And Sassi don’t fail honey.
If you’ve read my past interviews with Sassi Afrika, you will know that she is indeed as sassy as the name suggests. However, there’s much more to this Queen than meets the eye. Living with a disability, but never letting that hold her back, Sassi Afrika is now on a mission to raise the visibility of people with disabilities at Pride events across the land.
(C) VERINE LINTON
“I am passionate because I have disabilities too. I have cerebral palsy that affects the left side of my body, and I have mild learning disabilities.”
Daniel Browne: Sassi, it’s lovely to talk to you again. Thank you for taking the time out for this interview. How have you been?
Sassi Afrika: Well honey I’ve been busy. You should know that. Everyone else does. I’ve had a great year, darling. My third album, Red Hot, came out at the end of last year. It’s been so well received. Of course, so it should be, but I am grateful for the support my music gets. No Grammys or Brit Awards yet, but I’m working on it. I’ve also been focusing more on the charity work that I do. It’s in my heart. Yes, I do have one.
DB: That all sounds fantastic. Congratulations on the new album. Let’s talk more about your charity work. What have you been doing?
SA: As you know, I support the LGBT+ community completely. Well, I am LGBT+, you know. But I’ve become a trustee with an amazing Pride charity and I take the lead on running the LGBT+ youth group, the parents support group, and the social group for LGBT+ people with learning disabilities. Everyone wants a piece of Sassi, but supporting the community comes before anything else. Someone’s got to serve the tea and cake.
“…people with disabilities should always be included. We should be visible. We are human. We are the same as everyone else. We need a seat at the table, like Solange.”
DB: I keep an eye on what you’re up to on social media and noticed that recently you’ve become more vocal about people with disabilities being visible and included at LGBT+ events. What sparked that?
SA: Darling, people with disabilities should always be included. We should be visible. I’ve been to many Prides and sometimes feel disappointed that LGBT+ people with disabilities are nowhere to be seen. Especially not as part of the line-up. It’s upsetting. But rather than just be upset, I thought I would do something about it. So, I am working for change. I don’t mean working for the bit of loose change in your pocket, but for people with disabilities to be represented at Prides. I set up the group for LGBT+ people with learning disabilities so that we have somewhere to go. So we can meet new people and not be outcasts. We are human. We are the same as everyone else. We need a seat at the table, like Solange.
DB: I hear you, and I feel your passion…
SA: I am passionate because I have disabilities too. I have cerebral palsy that affects the left side of my body, and I have mild learning disabilities. I know what it’s like to be treated differently and not be included. But my disabilities don’t hold me back. I’m here to help others achieve the same thing. We can all be Kings and Queens. Someone told me that the word disability has the word ability in it. So, I focus on my ability and help others with theirs.
“(Prides need to…) organise some chill out zones for people with physical disabilities and learning disabilities. Consider us. Include us.”
DB: What do you think Pride events can do to promote inclusion and visibility of LGBT+ people with disabilities?
SA: I think every Pride can do more. LGBT+ people with disabilities need more than access. We need a platform. We need to shine. I feel that some Prides have lots of non-LGBT+ performers, not enough LGBT+ performers, and none that have a disability. There are many LGBT+ people with disabilities who are talented and can bring that talent to Prides. So, people with disabilities need to be included on stage line-ups. For example, I am hosting the main stage at Warwickshire Pride again this year. There’s a plug. I mean, I’m not saying book me, but please do have LGBT+ people with disabilities represented. Talk to us. Get our views. Let us help you plan your Prides. It would also be nice to see stalls that focus on disabilities. Like having disability charities present. Organise some chill out zones for people with physical disabilities and learning disabilities. Consider us. Include us.
DB: I agree that Prides need to represent LGBT+ people as much as possible, so I wish you well with your mission.
SA: Thank you. I am sassy and all of that, but I am human too. I care. I want to make a difference.
DB: What’s 2018 got in store for Sassi Afrika?
SA: Well I have just told you, darling. Are you tuning in to the same programme? I will be campaigning, but I will also be bringing sass to stages everywhere. I am hoping that more Prides will book me. I have some gigs and hosting jobs coming up. Also, my new single Power Bottom will be out in time for Valentine’s Day. I know how romantic that sounds. I’m just going to be me. That’s 2018 for you.
Sassi Afrika’s latest album Red Hot is available on Spotify and iTunes. You can follow her on Twitter @SassiAfrika.
Since arriving on the scene in 2013, Sassi Afrika has quickly made her mark as a unique talent and fresh addition to the UK’s drag scene. After taking some time out to record her second album, Pleasure, Sassi is now back on the scene and ready to conquer the world. But first I wanted to pull the great lady to one side, admire her weave, and put some burning questions to her.
CREDIT: Jake Hook/TheGayUK
DB: Sassi, you are back with some new music and a brand new album. Tell me about it.
SA: Darling, it’s fabulous. It’s much better than my last album. I’m even in tune on parts of this one. It’s a lot more sexual and way more Sassi.
DB: Well you are certainly sassy. You’ve been doing some live shows recently too. Your outfits appear to be getting more and more revealing. Is there a reason for that?
SA: Have you seen me? I’m hot, that’s why. I’ve got it, so I flaunt it. You should wear something a bit more revealing yourself. Show a bit of cleavage, dear. This album is called Pleasure, so I’m doing all I can to give pleasure. My outfits are part of that.
DB: And you’ve been spreading out into the world of presenting this year too. Is there no end to your talent?
SA: Oh please, I don’t have talent; I am talent. I sing, dance, act, present, and can tie a knot in a cherry stalk with my tongue. I’m very talented.
DB: You’ve said in the past that you are a modern day Madonna. Do you still view yourself in that way?
SA: I have nothing but admiration and respect for Madonna. She has been there, done it, done everyone, got the leotard, and is still going. I felt for her when she had the cloak incident at the Brits. But hey, she got up and kept going. Of course, people are going to compare us. We’re both global superstars, natural blondes and have a new face for each album.
DB: Let’s talk about the changing faces of Sassi Afrika. You’re looking fresh at the moment. What’s your secret?
SA: It’s no secret that I’m a fan of cosmetic procedures. I hook up with my surgeon on a regular basis. He nips, tucks, lifts and injects until I’m looking my best again. Also, a local clinic that does cosmetic procedures have recently offered me 50% off all treatments so I am able to have some top ups through the year. There isn’t much of me that’s not plastic, but I look good. I do know that, darling.
DB: Well all the work you’ve had done has clearly been worth it. You look sensational. Moving on, in your last interview with TheGayUK you spoke about your love of the gays. What is it about gays that you love so much?
SA: Oh gays are a hoot. I see myself as the mother of the gays. They come to me for advice, fashion tips and lip gloss. Also, gays lives are full of drama. I just love that because as you know, I don’t do drama; I am drama. I have to say that the gay community has always been there for me and I will always be there for them. We need to stick together, now more than ever. We are family.
DB: Do you know what Amyl Nitrate is?
SA: Poppers, darling. I use them all the time to loosen up Victoria.
DB: Who’s Victoria?
SA: Oh, it’s my pet name for my pussy.
DB: So you have a cat as well as a dog now?
SA: No babe.
DB: I’ve heard that Baywatch is your favourite television show and with a film version being made, I wondered who you would snog, marry and avoid out of the following: a) David Hasselhoff b) Zac Efron c) Pamela Anderson
SA: Oh god, I’d snog them all. Do I have to pick? Erm… Well, if I must. Ok, I’d snog Pammy. She’s like me; she’s just got it. So I’d snog Pamela Anderson. Or would I marry her? Ok, I’d snog Pamela Anderson and then marry her. I’d do more than snog Zac Efron but put him down for a snog. I guess that means I’d have to avoid The Hoff. Will he be in the new film? I used to love watching him trying to hold his stomach in as he ran along the beach. Gotta love a bit of David Hasselhoff.
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Sassi Afrika is clearly a woman who speaks her mind. You can discover more on Twitter @SassiAfrikaand introduce yourself to her music on Bandcamp.
Imagine if you will, that there was a British Drag Race… Oh, how wonderful would that be. Well, there’s such a wealth of drag talent in the UK we’d be spoilt for choice, well here’s our top 10…
10) Meth
Slightly amazing… Beautiful to boot. A real contender for winner if there was a British Drag Race.
9) Sassi Afrika
Warwickshire’s number 1 drag queen – has released a number of tracks from her album Shockalolic our favourite in the office is Pink To Make The Boys Wink. Take a listen you’ll soon realise why it’s genius. She’s not working… She’s working it.
8) Mary Mac
A powerhouse Scottish queen, whose vocals are second to none. Was a part of the Supreme Fabulettes before going on to front her own show at The Admiral Duncan.
7) Crystal D’Cantor
This fabulous queen is what British Drag is all about, getting down with the crowd, wearing the biggest wig you can find/afford and animal print. Always animal print. You could write what this queen doesn’t know about backcombing on the back leg of a My Little Pony.
6) Sandra
There probably isn’t a club, bar, backroom or toilet that Sandra hasn’t performed in. Having been on the scene for over 15 years – Sandra has sworn, blown and bitch slapped her way to our top 10 ten. All hail the Whore Of Hampsted.
5) Dave Lynn
Ah Dave Lynn… In a career that’s spanned 35 years Dave Lynn knows how to control an audience like a wireless vibrator. She rose to fame after entering a competition at the now defunct Black Cap and the only queen to have appeared on The Weakest Link with Anne Robinson (praise be) 4 times.
4) Dusty O
Described as queen bee of Soho, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Dusty O once she’s up on stage, with mic in hand.
3) Titti La Camp
Basically RuPaul would have no idea what hit her if Titti was in the house – it’d most likely be a chicken leg. Titti La Camp’s routine, is, well the stuff of legend. The audience knows what’s coming up and loves every moment of it. From Michelle McManus to Karen Carpenter.
2) Regina Fong
Regina Fong is fondly remembered by those on London’s gay scene. She coined the phrase Her Imperial Highness. Sadly Fong died in 2003 from Cancer aged just 56.
1) Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage
Possibly the most famous drag queen the UK has ever enjoyed. Although Paul O’Grady is unlikely to don another pair of heels, we think Paul O’Grady could teach even Ru a thing or two about Drag.
If there was ever an award handed out for the most apt Drag Queen name, it would surely go to Sassi Afrika. Sassy in every sense of the word, Sassi Afrika is lively, bold and full of mischief. However, there’s another side to Sassi. She has a heart of gold and does a lot for charity. She also lives with disability and is a champion for people who refuse to let their disability hold them back from achieving their dreams. With a new album coming out and a message to spread, I sat down for a cuppa and a natter with this one of a kind Queen.
DB: Sassi, you claim to have landed on Earth in 2013. What’s the reaction to your arrival been like?
SA: Oh it’s been outstanding, honey. I’m so grateful to have been accepted by the people of Earth. Really I’m just a simple girl from Sassimus Prime, but I came here seeking fame and fortune, and it’s happening. I’m the modern day Madonna.
DB: You’ve been performing at Pride festivals and earlier this year were named as one of the judges of Warwickshire Pride’s Got Talent. What is it about LGBT events that you love so much?
SA: I just love the gays! I also heard that Warwickshire is full of them, so had to make it my destination. To be on the judging panel of Warwickshire Pride’s Got Talent is an absolute honour. Being a woman of many talents, it’s fabulous to be able to pass on my pearls of wisdom to others seeking fame and fortune. Performing at Pride events is always so much fun as I can be as Sassi as I like. And like I said, I just love the gays!
DB: Your debut album, Shockaholic, is being released at the end of November. What can we expect from it?
SA: It is shocking, believe me. You can expect lots of upbeat songs, dance tracks, and even a bit of hip-hop. Sassi sings, Sassi raps, and Sassi knows how to work it! I’m very proud of this album. I can feel a Grammy coming on.
DB: And it’s for charity, right?
SA: Yes that is right. Sassi likes to give back. As I love the gays, I have chosen to donate all of the proceeds from Shockaholic to Push Projects LGBTQ Youth Support charity. They do amazing work with young people and I am like their fairy godmother. So buy my album. It’s all for a good cause.
DB: Aside from being a diva, you do a lot for charity and champion a number of good causes….
SA: I do, darling. It keeps me grounded. I firmly believe in helping others if in a position to do so. I work with young people struggling with their sexuality, I volunteer for numerous charity events, and I also try to be a beacon of hope for people like me.
It’s no secret that I have disabilities, but I have never allowed them to hold me back. I’m no different to anyone else, apart from being more Sassi obviously, and I am here to show that despite being disabled I can get out there, work it, and do the things I want to do. We should all do that.
DB: What’s in store for Sassi Afrika in 2015?
SA: Well 2015 is looking very Sassi indeed! I can exclusively reveal that I will be returning to the Warwickshire Pride’s Got Talent judging panel, which I am excited about. No doubt I’ll do a Cheryl Fernandez-Thingy and perform too; except I sing live. Then I will be appearing at various Pride festivals and other events. I’d like to go on a Sassi tour to promote my album, but as a woman in demand I’m not sure I’ll fit it in. In 2015 I’d also like to cement my status as a fashion icon and muse to the designers. I’m just waiting for Donatella to call me back. If you’re reading this, ring me babes. There’s so much happening in 2015. Like Cleopatra, Sassi’s comin’ atcha!
Sassi Afrika’s debut album ‘Shockaholic’ is out on Monday 24th November. Check out her Bandcamp page to get your copy. You can also delve into the Sassi world at www.sassiafrika.moonfruit.com or tweet her @SassiAfrika.
