Jada Shada Hudson: Unstoppable Force
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
Brenda: Sarnia’s Rising Drag Artist Ready to Shine at Mosaic and YOUphoria
Brenda: Sarnia’s Rising Drag Artist Ready to Shine at Mosaic and YOUphoria
Meet Brenda, an 18-year-old drag queen from Sarnia, Ontario, who’s making waves as an indigenous artist and youth performer. With just over two years in drag, Brenda is set to captivate audiences at both Friday and Saturday night Sarnia Pride events—Mosaic at Refined Fool Brewing Co. and YOUphoria at Imperial City Brewhouse. Sharing the stage with international stars like Salina EsTitties and Kylie Sonique Love, Brenda opens up about her journey, inspirations, and the significance of pride events in her community.
DRAG MAG: How long have you been doing drag?
Brenda: I have been doing drag for just over two years now, but I started playing around with makeup for just over three years.
DM: How did you get into drag?
B: I got into drag by seeing RuPaul's Drag Race on Netflix one day while I was looking for something to watch. I decided to put it on and immediately I was pulled right in. It was season 8 (the only season on Netflix at the time) and when I saw Naomi Smalls walk in I just knew that's how I wanted to be, stunning and fabulous.
DM: How do you describe your drag aesthetic?
B: I'd say my drag aesthetic is pretty broad honestly, sometimes I'll be in pastels with a pop vibe and the next I'll be in dark colours with a more alternative vibe.
DM: What can you tell me about Sarnia’s drag scene?
B: Sarnia's local drag scene is quite a smaller one but we do have some hella cute and fierce queens.
DM: Who are your biggest drag inspirations?
B: My biggest drag inspirations are Poison (my drag mother of course), Naomi Smalls and Kandy Muse. I also take a lot of inspo from Ariana Grande, Monster High dolls and Bratz dolls.
DM: You’re performing at both Mosaic and YOUphoria alongside other amazing artists like Salina EsTitties, Jada Shada Hudson, Kylie Sonique Love and The Girlfriend Experience. How do you feel about sharing the stage with such impressive international talent?
B: I feel very intimidated to share the stage with them but also very validated at the same time. I have looked up to these queens for a really long time, especially Kylie because she was one of the few trans queens on drag race and she won her All Stars season. It just makes me think and feel like I'm on the right track and keeps me looking forward for what's to come.
DM: What can you tell us about the importance of events like this in our community?
B: It's so so important to have these pride events because it shows the resilience within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to keep going, to keep fighting for what's right. It's also entertaining to go out and see a drag show and just to get out at all. These events show that the whole community isn't going anywhere, and you can't just get rid of us.
DM: This event is part of Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest. What does performing at Pride events mean to you?
B: Performing at pride events means literally the world to me because it's so special to be the representation people are looking for, I am a plus size, trans and indigenous performer. That is three groups alone of people that could possibly see a bit of themselves in me and that truly means a lot.
DM: How important is it to you to represent your community in these events?
B: It's so beyond important for me to represent all my communities in these events because I know when I was younger I didn't have too many people to look to that were similar to me. I want people to be able to relate and feel seen.
DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or events that you can share with us besides Sarnia Pride?
B: I have another pride show July 27th at the Storm Stayed brewery hosted by Brattery Acid and Maple Queef.
DM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
B: In 5 years I'd like to see myself as an even more successful drag queen, I would like to go to college for cosmetology and maybe fashion. I'm not too sure within 5 years but hopefully someday I'll be on Drag Race.
DM: Being an 18-year-old performer, what advice would you give to other young, aspiring drag artists who are eager to participate in their local drag scenes?
B: This is going to be a basic answer, but practice is so important. Just practice for a little bit then when you reach a place where you even feel a little bit confident, put yourself out there. Post on Instagram, reach out to local entertainers and Diversity ED is a really good place to go with helping out with new artists.
DM: Lastly, what message do you hope to convey to your fans and the audience through your performances at Mosaic and beyond?
B: The message I hope to convey is to live your life how you want to and to have fun. I want people who see me perform to feel joy and just to vibe.
Catch Brenda live at Sarnia Pride events this July! Don’t miss her performances at Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Co., and at YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brewhouse. Join the celebration, support local talent, and enjoy a night of spectacular drag performances. Admission is free, with donations supporting QT Camp. See you there!
Mosaic
Friday, July 12, 2024
At Refined Fool Brewing Co. in Sarnia, Ontario
YOUphoria
Saturday, July 13, 2024
At Imperial City Brewhouse in Sarnia, Ontario
EsTitties is Coming to Sarnia’s Mosaic
Salina EsTitties is Coming to Sarnia’s Mosaic!
Get ready to meet the fabulous Salina EsTitties, star of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15! Hailing from Los Angeles, Salina is not just a drag queen but also a talented musician. She’s known for her energetic performances and captivating presence on stage.
Salina will be gracing Sarnia with her presence at a very special event called Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Company. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this event promises a night of spectacular entertainment with performances from Jada Shada Hudson of Canada’s Drag Race, London’s songstress Galaxy, Tammy The Brown, The X Wife, Kamilla Flores, Kara Melle, and Sarnia’s own Brenda. Best of all, this event is FREE! Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of drag and music.
DRAG MAG: Have you ever performed or been in the Sarnia area before?
Salina EsTitties: No, it'll be my first time. I've been to Calgary a couple times, but never past that. So I'm very excited to see a new side of Canada.
DM: Is there anything that you're looking forward to doing while you're here?
SET: Well, I've never been, so I don't know what to expect or anything. So I always just love showing up and seeing what happens.
DM: What was the most memorable moment for you during your time on the RuPaul’s Drag Race?
SET: I think just getting to be with RuPaul at any point was like the best thing in the world. It just felt so unreal, you know what I mean? You see them on TV forever, and then here you are talking with them about your drag. So I think that was definitely the best part about it.
DM: As a musician and a drag queen, how do you blend these two passions in your performances?
SET: I find that drag allows me to create music in the way that I probably wouldn't be able to if I didn't have drag. It gives me like a vehicle to express all my talents and all of who I am, where outside of drag I probably don't feel as confident. I don't feel as seen. I don't feel as respected. Being in drag, it just kind of demands that power and allows for me to create and express myself in a way that people actually pay attention.
DM: What inspires the themes and styles of your shows?
SET: My shows are very theatrical. I'm a musical theater major at the end of the day, so I feel like that combined with my street smart, street wise persona, it's the blend of musical theater and then like, hoodrat, you know. The two complement each other very well in a way that people have not experienced before. It's not just a hip hop dancing girl. It's also that combined with acting and emotion that allows for an exciting experience.
DM: Can you share the story behind your drag name?
SET: So Selena is a play on Selena Quintanilla, which is a Latin music artist who was tragically murdered when she was very young. And she is huge in the Latin community. So I wanted to pay homage to my queen and the Latin queen for a lot of Latinos. So, Selena's my first name. And then I was creating my name. My friend was asking me, what would your drag name be? And I said, I don't know, but if I were a girl, I'd probably have really big titties and, Es Titties. The Es in front of is kind of an homage to my mom with her accent. She used to say stuff like instead of stop sign, she would say es-stop. Instead of a Sprite. She would say es-Sprite. So I just kind of added the Es because it gives how my mom would say it.
DM: Who are your biggest musical and drag inspirations?
SET: My biggest drag inspirations has to be Robin Williams and Mrs. Doubtfire, John Leguizamo in To Wong Foo, Eddie Murphy as Rasputia in Norbit. These male actors who just do drag for comedy purposes, these comedians, that's really where my drag stems from. Mary Katherine Gallagher from Superstar. SNL type skit characters and MADtv. That's kind of where my comedy and drag persona comes from, those are very big influences. As far as drag goes I have a very hyper feminine look that is a little clowny but not too clowny. So I like blending the two together. And I think that I don't really have a drag queen that I'm inspired by like that. But I would say that I'm definitely inspired by like pop stars like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. And as far as the vibe and esthetic go... the essence of EsTitties combined with the comedic actor vibes, it gives what I was talking about, the combination of pop star and camp.
DM: What's your favorite song to perform and why?
SET: My favorite song to perform, I mean, performing Nicki Minaj is always fun. I also love performing Cardi B, also Beyonce Renaissance I think would probably be my favorite right now as we speak in this moment, probably any Renaissance Beyoncé is where I kind of live at the moment.
DM: How do you feel about sharing the stage with such diverse talent?
SET: It's so exciting because we get to showcase all aspects of drag. And these things are fantastic. So getting to share a stage with them is an honor, and I'm very excited to do so.
DM: What does performing at Pride Events mean to you personally?
SET: I remember pride when I was growing up as an 18 year old in West Hollywood. You know, kind of a gay Mecca, pride resembled freedom and community to me when I was coming up. And today pride for me is really about a sense of self pride within oneself and finding one's own sense of confidence with themselves and self-love. And that's kind of what I've been working on recently as a person. And so I think having pride in all aspects of who you are. So for me, that's being proud of how I look, regardless of how fit or unfit I may be, being proud of my race and my nationality, my ethnicity. Being proud of the way that I speak, being proud of the way that I walk, finding pride in all aspects of who I am allows me to exude that and allow other people to see me the way that I saw other people when I was 18 years old, and be an example of what true pride really looks like. Not just being proud of being gay, but being proud of all aspects of who I am.
DM: What can the audience expect from your performance in Mosaic, and are there any special surprises in store?
SET: So I do have original music that's out, and right now during pride season, I'm performing it live. So maybe I'll see if I can find some dancers there in Ontario who could hop on stage with me, if that's a thing. But perhaps getting a taste of my music that I have out right now that's gone a little viral on YouTube.
DM: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines?
SET: Ooh, I actually like to be very quiet before the show and just have a moment to myself to breathe and take in the moment and prepare because it takes a lot of energy to do what I do. So to have that moment by myself to just hone in on what's about to happen is really important to me.
DM: Drag has seen a surge in mainstream popularity. How do you think this visibility has impacted the drag community both positively and negatively?
SET: Well, positively, it has put us on the forefront of a lot of media and just life in general. So, where before we used to perform in the shadows, and be pushed to the side, now we're being a little more respected and celebrated. On the negative side, as a queen, I feel like it's a little oversaturated right now and there's a lot of queens, so that is a little hard to navigate. But it's better to have that problem than to not have a problem at all.
DM: What do you think sets the LA drag scene apart from other drag scenes across the country?
SET: I think what sets the LA drag scene apart is that we live in Los Angeles, which is the entertainment capital of the world. So I think our girls are a lot more accustomed to what it looks like to be on set, what it looks like to show up and be on your mark, deliver your show and be ready to go. I feel like we're very professional in that way and and ready to execute. Because we're showgirls, LA, Hello?
DM: Do you have any favorite brands or go-to products that you swear by?
SET: I think setting spray is very important. And I use them very theatrical, almost industrial type of setting spray. It's not no makeup brand. It's an alcoholic base that is great to make sure I don't sweat. And then there's other stuff called Sweat On, or something like that. And it clogs my pores. I don't sweat, which is very important because drag is really hot, so I gotta make sure my makeup is not running.
DM: What advice would you give to aspiring drag artists who look up to you?
SET: The more you know who you are as a person, that will reveal who you are as a drag queen and your performance style, what you wear, how you express yourself. So I say start by going inside and learning who you are, and then that will dictate your drag and how you move in the world.
DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or music releases that you're excited about and can share with us?
SET: Yeah, my music video, for my song Papi off of my latest EP, Homegirl will be out and that's brand new, so I would love for everyone to check that out. And I also have a show that I'll be doing in July in Provincetown that is called The Papi Experience. It's kind of like my live interactive speed dating show that I hope to take on the road one day. And I'm currently working on a little Christmas project at the moment as well.
DM: What message do you hope to convey to your fans in the audience through your performances at Mosaic and other performances beyond?
SET: I hope that I make them want to get up and dance. I want them to feel my energy and let that shock through them and make them feel the same energy in the crowd and then be inspired to share that energy moving forward the next day.
DM: Lastly, I just want to ask if you have anything at all that you'd like to add to this.
SET: I'm just very grateful for my fan base and my supporters. I feel like I get to keep on doing what I'm doing because of them and their love and support online, and in real life. So anyone who is a fan of me, or has yet to become a fan of me, or like a soon to be itty bitty titty committee member I'm just very grateful for them, and I wanted them to know how much I appreciate and love them.
Don’t miss the chance to see Salina EsTitties and a stellar lineup of performers at Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Company. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this free event promises an unforgettable night of drag, music, and celebration. See you there!
Mosaic
Friday, July 12, 2024
At Refined Fool Brewing Co. in Sarnia, Ontario