Jada Shada Hudson: Unstoppable Force
Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant and dynamic Jada Shada Hudson, the fierce runner-up from the third season of Canada’s Drag Race! Originally hailing from Barbados and now dazzling audiences in Toronto, Jada has become a beloved figure in the drag community. Beyond her television fame, she also shines on the cast of Slaycation, bringing her unique flair and charisma to every performance. Jada Shada Hudson will be gracing the stage at the Mosaic event in Sarnia on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Company. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this special BIPOC event will feature an extraordinary lineup of performers, including Salina EsTitties, Galaxy, Tammy The Brown, The X Wife, Kamilla Flores, Kara Melle, and Sarnia’s own Brenda. Join us as we dive into the world of Jada Shada Hudson and discover what makes her such an extraordinary force in the drag community.
“The struggles it took me to get here and now my life is a movie—I mean, I am Toronto’s Turn-up Queen, and that’s a lifestyle for sure.”
DRAG MAG: Jada Shada Hudson, welcome! Can you tell us how you came up with your drag name and what it represents?
Jada Shada Hudson: My drag name came about very easy with the help of my friends one night. They told me let’s pick a black actress and maybe a black singer/artist and I chose Jada Pinkett Smith and Jennifer Hudson and merge them and got Jada Hudson. The Shada came from a friend that use to call me Miss Shada cause I was shady lol.
DM: How did your journey in drag begin, and what inspired you to start performing?
JSH: My journey is Drag began when I moved here to Toronto and needed money. I entered a Talent show in our church street village as a make African dancer and I lost to a drag queen. The owners of the bar said “You’re so good,” and “such an entertainer,” but here the audience normally gravitates to the art of DRAG especially if I wanted to win. So they said they will buy me my costume and look, get someone to do my makeup and all I have to do is show up and do what I do onstage. That I did and I won the talent show.
DM: Being originally from Barbados and now living in Toronto, how have these diverse cultural backgrounds influenced your drag style?
JSH: It changed my drag style because I try to incorporate my culture in my shows whether it be in music, costume or dance moves which makes me stand out more.
DM: Who are your biggest inspirations in and out of drag?
JSH: My biggest inspiration was the late Michelle Ross. I had the pleasure of working with her every week and I learnt so much and I saw how she connected with ppl and how they loved her. Some ppl have that connection and whatever they do you just love it she was that and am so glad that I have that special something as well. I get inspired by a lot of artists like Rihanna coming from Barbados as well, she to is a Bajan Queen and is so amazing with style and her music and the way she does her brand. As huge a star as she is she still is very Caribbean and we see and hear it always still she goes home to Barbados and is still that girl from the island. My mom as well cause she is so strong and a workaholic she loves to work no matter how she gets she lives it, always moving around doing something and I have that hustle mentality to always be working.
DM: What has been your biggest achievement in your drag career so far?
JSH: So many I thought being on billboards in Dundas Square was big thing but then coming 2nd place on Canadas Drag race really changed my career and life globally. Now I am seen as a celebrity and that still blows my mind. Just announced I am on a new show called SLAYCATION on CraveTv and Wowpresents plus where your favourite RupaulsDragRace Queens are vacationing in a winter home up north and having the ultimate girls trip which makes my 3rd show on tv.
DM: How do you prepare for a performance?
JSH: I really don’t prepare for regular shows I choose the song the music depending on the audience there or the event a costume to match and I go out there and do what I do best, and that’s entertain. Now for bigger shows and dancers I normally rehearse to get all the choreography right etc and am Spiritual so I like praying in general as well.
DM: As a prominent figure in the BIPOC drag community, how do you use your platform to advocate for representation and inclusivity?
JSH: I use my platform in pushing BIPOC events and I perform for a lot of charitable organizations here in the city and am also showing my culture in a lot of my shows.
DM: What does it mean to you to be part of the Mosaic event, celebrating BIPOC performers?
JSH: It means a lot because a lot of these cities and places where I go there aren’t a lot of BIPOC performers so having a show for that is amazing and we get to show our talents and that we are damn good at what we do, and passionate.
DM: Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from your performance at Mosaic?
JSH: Nope you’ll have to wait and see.
DM: What do you enjoy most about performing at Pride events, and how do you hope to impact those who attend your shows?
JSH: Doing this for 15 years I still enjoy the joy in people’s faces when I perform, the way they are so happy, the cheering also sometimes the messages after in my DMs. I recently did the Lion king here for Toronto’s Pride at one of the biggest events Starry Night as Rafiki, costumes, makeup everything and a guy told me he was in tears when I performed and thanked me for that performance and he was a person of color.
DM: Having been a part of Canada’s Drag Race, how has your experience on the show influenced your career and your activism?
JSH: It has put me on a globally platform which is great and amazing but is very scary as well because so many people are watching me now. They are watching what I wear, how I look, the things I do, the people I’m with etc. Since I’ve been on the show I have a little anxiety now because I am always being stopped or pulled from ppl that maybe recognize me or want a picture etc and sometimes in crowded places being pulled or screamed at or everyone wanting a pic can be a lot. But I wouldn’t change my life for the world. I am so blessed to do what I do and to be Jada Hudson so I live every min of it.
DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about that you can share with our readers?
JSH: YES A NEW SHOW on TV Called SLAYCATION coming this Winter 2024 on Cravetv and WowPresents plus with Kandy Muse, Luxx Noir London, Kerri Colby (USA), Lawrence Chaney (UK), and myself from Canada.
DM: How can fans and readers support you and stay updated with your work?
JSH: Follow me on all my platforms JadaHudson Instagram TikTok Twitter if you’re of age (wink wink). My Instagram stories is normally my life so that’s a great start.
DM: Do you have any personal goals or dreams you are working towards in your drag career?
JSH: I would love my own reality show, a show showing the lives of Jada Hudson and Dwight because they are 2 separate lives but both so entertaining. Being a gay Caribbean black big coming to Canada as a refugee now being one of Canada’s biggest gayest stars is still mind blowing to me. The struggles it took me to get here and now my life is a movie and I mean I am Toronto’s Turn-up Queen and that’s a lifestyle for sure.
DM: Is there anything else you would like to add or share with our readers?
JSH: Nothing more just be kind, be loving, and I am single and I think this is the time for me to actually find love.
Don’t miss the chance to see Jada Shada Hudson and a stellar lineup of BIPOC performers, including Salina EsTitties, at Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Company. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this event promises an evening of extraordinary talent, community spirit, and unforgettable performances. Admission is free for this 19+ event, with donations supporting local LGBTQ+ initiatives. Come out, show your support, and experience the magic of Mosaic!
Mosaic
Friday, July 12, 2024
At Refined Fool Brewing Co. in Sarnia, Ontario