Meet the Rising Stars of Singapore's Drag Scene

Things are changing in the local drag scene – more performers, especially AFAB (assigned female at birth) and gender minorities, are entering the scene, each with their unique brand of drag. Venues and programmes dedicated to the craft, like Tuckshop, have also been popping up over the past two years or so, offering not only new platforms, but even more platforms, for budding performers to make their debut and test their material.

While not everyone may perform full time, or even keep performing in the longer term, these new crop of performers invite us to reflect on prevailing gender norms, and how gender itself is performative. Ahead, we highlight some of the emerging performers, spaces and initiatives that are contributing to Singapore’s growing drag scene.

THE ALTRUISTIC INCUBATION PROGRAMME FOR BABY QUEENS: FRUIT BASKET, ORGANISED BY LOCAL DRAG AND BURLESQUE PERFORMER LYCHEE BYE (@LYCHEEBYE69 ON INSTAGRAM)

When was the idea for Fruit Basket first conceived? What was the scene like then?

“The Fruit Basket started back in 2022, because I’d realised that it was pretty hard to get started as a drag performer and break into the scene if you weren’t a cis gay man. The idea was just to give performers of marginalised genders a chance to experiment, and then a stage to perform on, and help them become part of the drag community. When it started, I think the scene was already starting to open up – people like me and (drag king) Polly A. Maury were performing, and drag had started to enter the mainstream consciousness so lots of spaces were starting to host drag shows and brunches and stuff, when they probably weren’t thinking about it a couple of years prior.”

How would you position Fruit Basket in the drag scene today?

“I see Fruit Basket as a gateway to the scene! There’s a lot of community support for it, so participants get to catch drag shows, they kiki and have makeup jams with more established performers, they build up confidence with regular showcases and rehearsals, and then they get to show what they’ve worked on to, again, more established performers. We’ve had the privilege of learning from veteran drag personalities like Mona Kee Kee, Becca D’Bus, Salome Blaque, Sapphire Blast, and so many more – I can’t list them all or that would be your entire article. And of course, they get regular interaction with Singapore’s quintessential showgirl, Kak Nina Boo. So I think it helps them understand what the drag community in Singapore is, and then allows them to build their craft in that space.

Since we started, there have been more opportunities for queer performers – you see more drag kings and non-traditional (what is traditional?!) queens getting booked in more and more spaces, and that’s really because I think the scene has evolved and attitudes towards drag and other subversive art forms have changed. And that’s exciting for me, and for everyone who participates in The Fruit Basket, because you see these changes, and you realise this isn’t just a five-month-long workshop that culminates in one show and that’s it. More opportunities are waiting for you afterwards if you have the right work ethic and attitude.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“I’m definitely not the expert on this – I only started drag in 2018, so I’m honestly fairly new to the scene. You’d have to talk to the performers with more experience to get a real firsthand sense of how much it’s changed. But I guess, speaking as someone who speaks a lot to those performers, and who tries my best to do my homework on our history and culture, there’s definitely been way more mainstream acceptance of drag in recent years, owing to the success of things like RuPaul’s Drag Race and just the Internet getting bigger, and these things becoming more accessible."

In Singapore, you now see more spaces offering drag entertainment when they probably wouldn’t have considered it just a couple years ago. In the beauty scene, there’s been an adoption of drag techniques and stylisations. Generally, I’ve noticed there’s also a sort of movement to push what drag is ‘supposed’ to look like, so you see interesting faces, you see drag kings…”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“It’s still gay!”

THE PERFOMER KNOWN FOR HER ARTFUL BEAUTY LOOKS: ACYD RAYNE, 21, @ACYD.RAYNE ON INSTAGRAM

When did you start drag? What was the scene like then? 

“I started trying out drag mid-2021, after already playing around with drag-adjacent things like drag makeup, corseting, wigs etc. I was mainly a makeup queen, posting pictures on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. By 2022, I knew that I either had to start taking drag even more seriously or stop, and I chose the former. I made my stage debut in late 2022. Back then, there were not many new drag artists coming out since we were all locked in throughout the pandemic. The pre-existing drag artists were mainly performers, who did not focus as much on their online presence, but the pandemic, it forced them to start posting online, so there were many new types of ‘digital drag’. However, now, it seems a lot of newer drag performers are focusing on performing again. I think it just shows the difference in potential avenues we had back during the pandemic days.”

How would you define your drag?

“I feel that my drag is less 'slay slay slay' like... dance-y and club/bar-centric, and more conceptual, and more comedic. I do think that my aesthetic is also something that sets me apart. I started out with drag makeup, and now I feel that I am still known for my 'mug'. I find that I focus less on looking like a 'woman', and more on looking fun, or interesting. I also do think that I put more emphasis on social media than many other drag artists do, (I focus) more on building a connection with the audience.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving? 

“I find that the drag scene now is shifting in many different ways, but it's really hard to say how it will evolve. I think that just like most things, drag is cyclical. Whether it be the makeup styles, performance styles, whatever it is, drag is unpredictable. Some new performers focus on sexy numbers, some focus on funny numbers, some focus on dance numbers. I think it's hard to point in just one direction.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“The drag scene now is very accessible to the public. There are so many avenues to watch, be involved in or support drag. Be it on social media, drag bars, or drag shows, there are so many more avenues out there. If you do not know where to start, you can follow some drag performers and artists on social media. I believe most of us share where we are performing on these platforms, especially on Instagram.”

THE SPICY QUEEN INSPIRED BY OLD HOLLYWOOD AND BOLLYWOOD: NISHILIA AISHWARYA BERNARD, 24, @NISHILIA_AISHWARYA_BERNARD ON INSTAGRAM

When did you start drag? What was the scene like then? 

“I started learning the art of drag three years ago when I met my drag mother (Iman Nara Virus) but only made my debut in March last year. But I’ve always followed the local drag scene for many years before that. I guess you could say the drag scene last year was booming! Still is. By booming, I mean there were many new queens, including myself, wanting to get out there and show their stuff. The pandemic was when all physical performances stopped so many of us passed the time by learning make-up and getting dressed up in drag and performing lip sync performances on Bigo live. So, when the opportunity came to perform physically in-person, many of us seized it. So many new talents made their splash onto the scene. It was really fun to witness baby queens finding their footing and growing as a drag artist.”

How would you define your drag?

“Old-school and campy. I take inspiration from Old Hollywood and Bollywood glamour, but I also like to base my movements and actions like I’m straight out of a cartoon. One thing to know when you’re watching a Nishilia show is that there’s always going to be a story. We love a good plotline.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving? 

“Well, I’ve only been in the scene for about a year but from what I see, I think that the drag scene in Singapore is becoming much more diverse and it’s gaining much more visibility. I think we have social media to thank for that. Sure, we had Instagram for the longest time but like I mentioned, the circuit breaker period was when queens started posting (online) about their art and experimenting with fashion, and that spilled over into the scene when physical performances were allowed to take place again. We’re seeing many more drag kings taking the stage… we have singing drag queens, drag performers of all genders, drag queens with make-up and performances that are so avant-garde, and so much more.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“We wouldn’t have the drag scene we have today if it wasn’t for the queens who came before us. Those queens had to navigate through and fight censorship, societal and political challenges, legal restrictions, social stigma and still thrive! The queens who opened spaces for us to showcase our love for performing. They’ve set the benchmark, and they still continue to pass down the tradition and culture and mentor the younger queens of today (me!). So, when you head down to a drag show on the weekend, just know that it took generations of drag artists that made it possible. Support your local drag queens.”

THE DRAG KING WHO'S UNAFRAID TO HAM IT UP: WOODY FITT, 28, @WOODYFITT ON INSTAGRAM

Credit:Courtesy of Woody Fitt

Woody Fitt is part of the emerging drag king scene in Singapore – drag kings being people who perform versions of masculinity on stage.

When did you start drag? What was the scene like then?

“I had thoughts about starting to do drag when I first got acquainted with the local drag scene in 2022 and dabbled in drag king makeup for fun and Halloween, but my drag persona, Woody Fitt, didn’t come to fruition until November 2023 when I was approached by drag performer Polly A. Maury/Aloysius D to be part of an all-drag king show titled Manimal Kingdom, which happened in February earlier this year. Before Manimal Kingdom, I had not been exposed to many drag kings or other types of drag performances locally in Singapore—the scene then consisted mostly of drag queens (whom I absolutely love and adore) and very little of everything else on the opposite end of the spectrum or in between. I could be mistaken, but anything else aside from drag queen events was never really on my radar back then.

I’ve had the pleasure of catching a couple of kings and AFAB performers at shows such as Chaotic Cabaret by Polly A. Maury, Moistness, and The Fruit Basket (which I was recently a part of for its fourth run). However, I would say back then I only got to watch such performances once in a blue moon.”

How would you define your drag?

“It’s constantly evolving. I think Woody has gone through (and probably is still going through) his fair share of identity crises simply because I have been uncertain of how I wanted to portray him and what persona I am comfortable sticking with for the long run. At his core, Woody is a cheeky, sleazy, queer himbo with a penchant for being shameless and silly on stage.

In general, I think there are bound to be overlaps between performers in terms of appearance and personality traits. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this a trait that sets Woody apart from others, but if I had to state something, it would be his absolute shamelessness and willingness to engage in buffoonery if a drag number calls for it. I’m comfortable enough with my body to incorporate going topless/stripping in my numbers, and I’m not afraid to drop the whole ‘dashing, macho hunk’ persona that most stereotypical drag kings adopt when the situation calls for it.”

Credit:Courtesy of Woody Fitt

Woody Fitt says they’re not afraid to act like a buffoon is a drag show calls for it.

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“From the perspective of both a performer and a patron, despite the small size of the drag community, I would say performers, performances, and events are slowly but surely becoming increasingly diversified. There is something for everyone these days. If you want someplace where you can sit down, and have some food and drinks while enjoying a drag performance, there is RIOT! with its constantly rotating cast of performers. If you want to drag in a bar setting with strobe lighting and upbeat music, there is Tuckshop and their resident queens. If you want live singing with drag, there is Drag Qabaret. If you want drag kings/AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) performers, they are slowly starting to pop up in different settings and on various stages. If you want ball culture, ballroom events are slowly gaining popularity in Singapore and are happening more frequently. It’s an exciting time for the queers, kings, queens, allies, and everyone in between.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“If you are new to local drag, I would highly recommend checking out what the Singapore drag scene has to offer especially during the upcoming pride month with all sorts of fun events and shows lined up such as Baby Queens and Kings, Pinky Kiki Ball and more. Again, it’s an exciting time. People don’t often know what they are missing out until they find out. Support local drag!”

THE GEN Z DRAG QUEEN PUTTING A FUN SPIN ON DRAG: CANDICE CARGO, 20, @CANDICE.CARGO ON INSTAGRAM

Credit:Courtesy of Candice Cargo

One of the youngest queens on the scene, Candice Cargo enjoys putting a fun spin on the serious side of drag.

When did you start performing drag and what was the scene like when you first started?

“I debuted in March 2023. The drag scene before I started and after I started hasn’t changed much. The type of drag you would normally see is not different, though the biggest change I see is the amount of opportunities for people to perform; it’s slowly opening up.”

How would you define your drag?

I’ve gotten to a point in doing drag where I don’t necessarily define what I do. I think it sets expectations. I like to think of my drag as fun, funny, a little bit fierce when it has to, and an overall good time. If I had to, I’d describe my drag as on the campier side. I can’t say for certain that I’m able to set myself apart from others, but I like to take what is serious about drag and mix it with the fun.

Credit:Courtesy of Candice Cargo

Every drag scene is highly specific to its region, says Candice Cargo. Read: do NOT expect a wholesale replication of Rupaul’s Drag Race when you go a show here.

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“I think the scene is starting to gain recognition and popularity. People, within and outside the community, are more ready to receive drag, and also different types of drag.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“The drag scene in Singapore is still very green and does not look like drag in many other places, but in the wise words of Becca D’Bus: drag is regional (specific to an area). What you see here, you won’t see elsewhere. Take some time to take it in.”

THE AFAB PERFORMER, BEA BITCH, 26

When did you start performing drag and what was the scene like when you first started?

“I started doing drag in late 2022. I think it's still quite recent, and I still consider myself a baby performer, but one big difference between how the scene is now, compared to pre-pandemic, is that there are a lot more AFAB performers, and a lot more spaces and opportunities. We have more queer spaces, workshops, and open mics, where anyone who wants to try drag is more than welcome to sign up and perform.”

How would you define your drag?

“Frankly, when I first started, I wasn't even sure if what I was doing could be considered drag, because I didn't meet the stereotype of a typical drag queen. I was also afraid of overstepping or intruding into the space because I knew that drag has a deep history and holds meaning to a lot of people.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“I think it has evolved through openness and diversity in the community. There are so many ways to do drag, and it's not a one-size-fits-all mould. I'm constantly in awe looking at how other drag performers define their art. We all come from different backgrounds and have different sets of skills, bringing in a variety of perspectives and styles. The community is also a mix of different age groups, so it feels like a big family, where we can help and teach each other. All of us also inspire each other, which pushes us to create and evolve as a whole.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“Everyone should know that there are so many different drag shows and events in Singapore and that we'd love to share our creations with you! Just because you've watched one show, doesn't mean you've seen all of Singapore's drag. There are so many different kinds out there, and you'd have to explore around to discover your favourites! We have shows for sapphics (queer women), comedy shows, cabarets, old queens, new queens, drag kings, and more!”

THE QUEEN INSPIRED BY THAI CULTRE: EARTH NA KAA, 23, @EARTH.NAKHAA ON INSTAGRAM

When did you start drag? What was the scene like then? 

“I started drag back in August 2022. During that period, I was lucky enough to have a platform to debut at Werq (the open mic drag platform by veteran Vanda Miss Joaquim). And I started after getting a push by my boyfriend who has been doing drag for 5 years now.”

How would you define your drag and how do you set it apart from others?

“My drag is partially defined by my Thai cultural heritage but Earth Na Khaa is also able to give humour and lots of glamour and opulence. She’s got a soul of an old school girl living in a young body.”

How do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“Drag is not just seen in queer safe spaces now such as clubs and other spaces we’ve made for ourselves. It is now widely more accepted and appreciated in non-queer spaces too such as corporate functions. I think now more people are able to appreciate and understand drag.” 

What should readers know about the drag scene now?

“I would say that I am very lucky to run my own show at Salud Cocktail Bar, so if you have the chance, do come down to Salud. But there are more venues offering drag shows and they should explore the various bars and clubs and spaces that have all these fabulous queens.”

THE POP CULTURE WHIZZ: JOJO SAM CLAIR, 35, @SAMJOEXOTIC ON INSTAGRAM

When did you start drag? What was the scene like then?

“I started performing in drag two years ago, after taking part in an amateur competition, A Contested Commotion, organised by Becca D'Bus. It was supposed to be a one-night stand to satisfy my curiosity, but I ended up winning the contest and performing again the very next week as Becca's replacement after she came down with Covid. One gig led to another and here I am today, still going and lucky to have JoJo as my alter ego and creative outlet.

Back then, everyone was just crawling out of the pandemic and I think there was a sense that hey, life is too short, if you want to express yourself or try something new (like drag), there's no better time than now. I know quite a few queens who started experimenting with drag makeup during the lockdown and have become regular performers since. It's a growing scene brimming with undiscovered talent and I'm so thankful to be able to witness and be a part of it.”

How would you define your drag?

“Quirky, campy and sometimes questionable, but often drenched in pop culture references and drunk on millennial nostalgia. For me, it's less crucial to look traditionally pretty and more important to entertain, to captivate and to tell a story. Even if I'm performing a familiar song, I try to think about how I can make it surprising and memorable. For instance, I once performed Kylie Minogue's song Slow as a tortoise that leisurely wandered onto the stage only in the middle of the first verse. I enjoy being silly and subverting expectations like that.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“It is blooming, ballooning and blossoming in the best way possible. Not only are there more queens and kings now (I could easily name a hundred off the top of my head), there are also more opportunities to perform, to watch and to learn from each other. You have parties and shows like Baby Boy and RIOT! that constantly showcase new talent, venues like Tuckshop, Slippery Slope and Salud that run drag events, and even incubation programmes like Fruit Basket for performers of marginalised genders. Even though the local scene is relatively small, I am always in awe of how much hidden talent we have waiting in the wings for their moment in the spotlight.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“That it is not so much a ‘scene’, but more so a community. We are talking about drag sisters and brothers who care and look out for each other, who support one another both on and off stage, physically and emotionally. It is easy to think of drag performers as fierce, intimidating and larger than life, especially when you watch us perform. But at the end of the day, under all the fancy wigs and makeup, we are only human, albeit fabulous ones!”

THE DUO MESHING HIGH FASHION AND DRAG: HOUSE OF HAUTE MESS, PERFORMED BY TAKUMA TANAKA AND ALFRI MOHD YUSOFF, BOTH 36, @HOUSEOFHAUTEMESS ON INSTAGRAM

When exactly did you start performing as House of Haute Mess, and what was the scene like when you started drag?

“Our first performance was in June 2022 at Yum Yum Pink Pride Discoparty, an afterparty of Pink Dot that year. The party scene was just recovering from Covid-19 restrictions and there was an outburst of new queens in the scene; it was really an exciting time. A lot of these queens who were just playing dressed up or doing content on social media were eventually allowed to perform on stage physically, and having an audience to perform to in real life felt good.”

How would you define your drag?

“Our drag is fashion, camp, referential, sophisticated but all at the same time, utterly stupid. We love playing with these concepts and trying to bridge all these themes together, creating an interesting tension to what is drag in our form of expression.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving?

“It is quickly diversifying in multiple directions; style, age, gender, art form... in every sense the scene is expanding its possibilities. We are seeing many emerging talents who are exploring this and it is creating an interesting mix of what drag should and can be, that can be unique, especially for Singapore.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now?

“Firstly, it is important to know that drag is an art form, an expression and play of what gender can be. Because of that, the possibilities of what drag can offer is endless, thus seeing different styles of drag we see today. Drag has, is and will always be exhilarating, exhausting and expensive! Hope you appreciate the long and hard work we put in our looks and performances, and tip us if you can!”

THE INCLUSIVE COCKTAIL BAR: SALUD, @SALUD.SINGAPORE ON INSTAGRAM

When was the idea for Salud first conceived before you opened in April 2023? What was the scene like then? 

TERRY TAN, 29, GENERAL MANAGER OF SALUD: “The initial idea for Salud had been to create a safe space for all folks, queer or not, to enjoy excellent cocktails. In Singapore, the drag and queer scenes have always been growing and expanding, more vibrantly so every year, and when an opportunity for us to join that movement arose, we took it. We didn't plan on venturing into the drag scene until Salud had already been up and running for several months.”

⁠How would you position Salud in the drag scene today?

“Presently, Salud works to create space for newer queens on the scene to perform alongside seasoned queens, to provide both financial compensation and an audience to their craft. There are many existing platforms  in Singapore for more experienced performers, but less so for newer performers who wish to grow their audience. We are very privileged to be in the position to be able to both act as such a platform for newer queens, and also for those queens to place their trust in us as a safe and welcoming place.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving? 

“In short, Singapore's drag scene is becoming more creative than ever, embracing unique forms of how the art may be performed. Because of the expanding community of both performers and audiences, queens are more willing to push the boundaries of their shows and dabble in more than what is merely appealing to the mainstream audience. Whilst many of the shows still feature iconic lip-syncs and dances, more and more performers are exploring different mediums and unique props to keep their shows fresh and exciting. Drag has always existed in Singapore, but its growth can only be attributed to the increasing awareness and enduring popularity of the art, as well as the rise in acceptance of the community. It would not be difficult to find a drag show in Singapore if one were to be interested in attending such a performance.”

What should we know about the local drag scene now? 

“It is an ever-growing and welcoming community. All people need to know is that, if they are new to drag, to just take the plunge and enjoy a show for the first time. The experience of a drag performance is not one that words can easily describe to a reader. Adjectives like eclectic, vibrant, raunchy, beautiful, hilarious, and electric, barely skim the surface of what the world of drag has to offer. A first-hand experience is unmatched. Ultimately, Salud offers a safe and warm place for all audiences to enjoy the indescribable art of drag, whether for the first time or the 50th.”

THE QUEEN HIGH ON WIT AND MYSTERY: PAP SMEAR CAMPAIGN, @PAPSMEARCAMPAIGN ON INSTAGRAM (THEY DECLINED TO SHARE THEIR AGE)

When did you start drag? What was the scene like then?

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Definitely much worse once Pappy showed up. It also really wasn’t that long ago.”

How would you define your drag?

“Pap Smear Campaign is a scandal mongering, image tarnishing, mudslinging spreader of slander, false allegations, and rumours. Least-admired by peers and widely reviled, Pappy thinks inside the box, throws under the bus, and unironically adds Wonderwall to the party playlist. The only real protection available is early detection and routine check-ups.”

In your words, how do you think the drag scene in Singapore is evolving? 

“Who said Pap Smear Campaign knows anything about drag?”

What should readers know about the drag scene now? 

“We are alive. And kicking. And sometimes frothing at the mouth. Remember kids, do try this at home.”