Sierra Leonean photographer, illustrator and designer, Ngadi Smart’s pratice delves into subcultures and alternative narratives within the African continent in order to represent a multitude of characters and communities. In this way, the artist aims to challenge what it means to be ‘African’ as part of a new Black vanguard. In her recent photographic series, Queens of Babi, Smart turns her lens on drag culture in Abidjan.

After meeting members of this scene, Smart learnt of their suppressed art form and the adversities they have faced in finding a safe space for self-expression. “Through my photography, I want to change Africans’ perception of this community by sharing their stories, as they reflect true human rights issues,” Smart explains. “I self-funded the first photoshoot myself, as this is is a cause that is important to me, as a queer person of African descent.”

Same-sex sexual acts in private are legal in Côte d’Ivoire, however there is no legal protection for the LGBTQ+ community, such as safeguarding against discrimination. They have no adoption rights, no recognition within government structures, and any public displays such as drag are considered a breach of decency, which is punishable. In short, the stigmatisation of the LGBTQ+ community stretches deep into the psyche of the nation. It is therefore remarkable to see that the art form of drag has managed to emerge, allowing individuals to showcase their bold creativity, albeit behind closed doors.

For two years the drag community in Abidjan would secretly meet for themed events where they would parade their latest creations in front of their peers and a set of judges. Sadly, the competitions ceased in 2018 due to the strong adversity they faced by the wider community. Of late there has been a renewed spotlight on drag thanks to personalities such as Cameroonian-American BeBe Zahara Benet, star of RuPaul's Drag Race, and South African Manila Von Teez, who featured on SA's Got Talent. However visibility, recognition and opportunity is still severely lacking in Côte d’Ivoire and across the entire continent.

Queens of Babi (Babi is the colloquial name for Abidjan) stars two queens - Kesse Ane Assande Elvis Presley, or simply coined ‘Britney Spears’ by her friends, and Mohamed, aka ‘Baba’. Smart’s spectacular images provide the stage and audience that the queens need to express the art of drag. Not only is drag a spectacle we can all revel in, it is also a way to break down gender and the performance of gender as social constructs, to allow for more inclusive practices. Photographed in a verdant woodland scene, Britney and Baba’s golden head dresses and gem-crusted outfits introduce them to the world with an opulent radiance. The series celebrates diversity within Côte d’Ivoire and aims to mobilise the LGBTQ+ community, in a call for acceptance, change and positive recognition, both from within Abidjan and further a field.

Nataal speaks to the two stars of Queens of Babi.

How did you cpme to start doing drag?

Britney says:

Since I was little, I always dreamt of one day becoming a successful model or an actor, so it makes sense now. I am a very extravagant person, so people would always tell me I needed to be involved within the drag scene and competitions. I eventually thought it would be a great idea too, as I wanted to show everyone how multifaceted I was, and how far I could stretch my creative talents.

Baba says:

From the age of 8 years old, I would put on my mother's wig, wear her heels and would dance to Beyoncé's music. I got older and started going to clubs, and I would never miss out on showing off when dancing. Over time, I discovered that the dressing up and performances were a form of drag and I was finally able to put a name to what I had been doing all my life. It really solidified in 2017 during the first season of the drag events in Abidjan. It was my first time on stage and it was magical! I had good feedback and presented myself in season two, which I won. Since then, I hop on stage at the smallest opportunity!

Tell us about LGBTQ+ life in Abidjan?

Britney says:

Life as an LGBTQ+ person is not easy in Abidjan, we are frowned upon and not yet accepted. It is very difficult for an LGBTQ+ person to fully express themselves as they wish here.

Baba says:

There is not much media support or positive press published about us. There are no LGBTQ+ associations and we face a lot of criticism and threats. Many of us do not feel safe here. Sometimes it is impossible for me to set foot in certain neighbourhoods as it would mean signing my death wish.

The drag community is limited in how we can express ourselves. I have spoken to bar managers who like the concept of our events but refuse to host us out of fear that their establishment will be labelled as a gay bar, which could consequently lose its clientele. People need to understand that drag is art and to start giving us the respect and credit we deserve.

How would you frame the private events that used to happen?

Britney says:

The competitions happened in an undisclosed, very discreet bar. It is a space that is well fitted out with security personnel in order for us not to be bothered and abused by homophobes, or controus as we say in our jargon. We had to attend castings to be picked for the event, which was very competitive as there were many of us including people from places outside of Côte d'Ivoire, such as Guinea. It is also very expensive to get the outfits done. I like my creations to be of high quality and I am tall so I have to make things from scratch.

Baba says:

The beginnings were unprecedented for the LGBTQ Abidjan community, it was new and everyone came to see the show. The difficulties however became numerous. There were discrepancies in the organisation. The events needed to remain discreet, and an issue was that members of the community started publishing photos outside of the private Facebook group intended for this, which caused problems for some of us. I became a topic of discussion on all the local online media pages and that resulted in a lot more negative reactions than positive ones.

Where do you get your inspiration from for your performances?

Britney says:

I draw from my own raw creative way of thinking, although I do admire EJ Johnson who is a big source of inspiration for me. When a theme is proposed, I draft up ideas by myself, then question my entourage, which usually consists of my make-up artist and stylist friends, to see if our ideas match, or if they have a different opinion. Then, the work starts! The year I won the competition, the theme was ‘Mama Africa’ so my creation was inspired by African mysticism. This a common theme within Africa, but I put an unusual spin on it, and won.

Baba says:

The year I won the contest, the theme of the final event was ‘Fairytales and Royal Processions’. I was inspired by the goddess Oshu, who is the goddess of fertility and an African fairy, but I was also inspired by my love of pop culture using references such as Nicki Minaj in ‘Gandja Burn’.

How does drag make you feel?

Britney says:

I cannot fully express in words the feeling of being in drag: it is just an immense pleasure for me. I’m a unique, out-there person so it is a great way to show off that side of me.

Baba says:

It is an absolutely magical feeling.

What are your dreams outside of drag?

Britney says:

I would love to be a great model, to be featured in magazines, and one day have the chance to meet EJ Johnson. It is my most ardent dream to be known in the whole world as a model.

Baba says:

I have always wanted to put my talents at the service of a fashion house. I also hope to start a family and work in the entertainment industry.