Laganja Estranja is fast becoming the drag world's biggest force to be reckoned with - and it isn't hard to see why.
It's easy to discredit Estranja (Jay Jackson) if all you've seen of her was aired during Season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Unorthodox, slightly irksome & outlandish in her approach, Estranja finished in eighth position - but not before spinning some of the most iconic phrases and scenes the show has ever seen.
Now travelling the world over performing to flocks of adoring fans is all in a days work for Jackson, 27. Alongside designing his own marijuana themed jewellery, makeup & apparel range; he also has multiple music credits under his belt in singles Hot Box, Legs and a feature in Drag Race alumni Alaska Thunderfuck's Gimme All Your Money. All this - as well as being broadcast on international television dancing with Miley Cyrus.
I asked Laganja a few quick questions on dance, music and of course - the legendary Haus of Edwards.
What first piqued your interest in drag?
My first recollection of being exposed to drag was through Musical Theatre, more specifically "A Chorus Line". I'll never forget Paul's monologue about working at the drag show at the Jewel Box Revue. I must've subconsciously known then at very early age that I would experience similar conflicts as him not only as a gay male but also as a male who loves women's clothes.
Coming from Texas, have you ever faced adversity from conservative friends or relatives on your image or drag career?
I have absolutely faced adversity since becoming a drag queen. At first, my parents were not thrilled. After spending $50,000 a year on an education, they felt like I was wasting my talents. But after seeing what all I bring to the stage and how much work I put into it, they've come around full fold. I was also very fortunate to have an incredible group of friends that support of me all the way to the top!
How did you first begin performing with The Haus of Edwards?
I first began working with Justin Johnson, a.k.a. Alyssa Edwards, 10 years ago as a dance instructor at her studio. After working there for several years, I finally found out that Justin was also a drag queen and met Shangela (who danced for Alyssa as a boy in her Pageant days). So technically the Haus was formed long before the TV show, but it truly didn't become an official thing until the opening performance for the Season Seven Reunion of RPDR. From that performance, we then toured the world with our act and were even seen dancing next to Miley Cyrus on the VMAs.
One of the most memorable images of your drag is the eccentric mix of marijuana imagery and your incredible dance skills - would you say this image represents you? Are you as enthusiastic about dance and 'recreational drug use' in your day to day life?
First and foremost, I hate the term recreational drug use. For me, cannabis is not a drug, it is a medicine. And under proposition 215, I legally self medicate in California using this plant. Now as far as being known as a pothead dancer, I LIVEEEE! Of course I am loud and proud of the brand that both me and my team created! But as far as representation goes, there so much more to me than ganja and grooves and I'm working every day to prove this!
When did you first begin to dance? What made you decide you enjoyed it?
I truly believe we were all put here on this earth to dance, sing, and create art! After years of playing soccer and trying every sport known to man, when my parents finally put me in a ballet class and that's when everything clicked. I no longer had to sweat outdoors with boys I couldn't relate to. Instead, I was inside an air-conditioned room staring at myself in the mirror with a room full of girlfriends, it was totally a match made in heaven!
You also make some pretty awesome music - having released two singles of your own and collaborated with fellow queen Alaska Thunderfuck on 'Gimme All Your Money'. Was making music a natural choice to you?
Missy Elliott is my hugest inspiration in life, so naturally when I was presented with the opportunity to make rap music I was thrilled. While it's something I never thought I would actually do, I've dreamed about it since I was a little boy. I have now totally fallen in love with the artform and hope to continue to create more music. Because let's face it, if I raise enough money to finally create an album and go on an official tour, you will not be ready for that show!!
Finally - who are some artists you are loving right now?
My favorite artists right now are Tinashe, Drake, Maryland Lavon, and Ariana Grande.
massive thanks to kristen lovell and jay jackson!
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