BeBe Zahara Benet

Cameroonian-American entertainer (born 1981)Template:SHORTDESC:Cameroonian-American entertainer (born 1981)

* television personality
* singer

**Nea Marshall Kudi Ngwa** (born March 20, 1980) better known by his stage name **BeBe Zahara Benet**, is a Cameroonian-American drag performer, television personality, and musician best known for winning the first season of the reality-television drag competition *RuPaul's Drag Race* in 2009*.* In 2018, he returned as a surprise contestant for the third season of *RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars*, placing in the top four.

His first EP, *Face*, was released in 2014, followed by his second EP, *Kisses & Feathers*, in 2017. His third EP, *Broken English*, was released in 2020. As of 2019, he stars in the TLC transformational makeover television series *Dragnificent*, as the event planning expert. In 2021, he starred in *Being Bebe*, a film documenting fifteen years of his life.

## Early life

Ngwa was born and raised in Cameroon. His family later moved to France where Ngwa lived until he settled in Minneapolis at age nineteen to complete his college studies and to be closer to family.

## Career

Benet's first experience with drag was at a Paris fashion show, where he was asked to put on a dress to walk the runway as a female as a last-minute replacement for an absent model. His first drag performance was alongside Cyndi Lauper in *The Gay 90s* bar after moving to Minneapolis in 2000. She has participated in drag pageants.

### *RuPaul's Drag Race* and other television

In early 2009, Kudi Nwga, after a suggestion from RuPaul herself after seeing him perform to "Circle of Life" at Minneapolis Pride, auditioned for the first season of Logo's reality-TV drag-queen competition *RuPaul's Drag Race*.
She eventually became one of nine queens cast in the season, having been selected out of thousands of applicants. He was the inaugural winner of the series, having won two challenges during the competition. Bebe's win would inspire many soon-to-be drag queens to pursue the art of drag, including eventual *Drag Race* season 8 winner Bob The Drag Queen.

A lot of drag artists do exactly what — or even more than what — mainstream artists do. What we do in terms of our transformation, our music, our comedy, it's just legit artistry
“
”
—Kudi Nwga, in a 2018 interview

In 2011, Benet appeared in two episodes of *RuPaul's Drag U*, serving as a "drag professor".

Benet was revealed as the surprise 10th contestant on the third season premiere of *RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars*, becoming the first-ever winner in the show's history to return for an All-Stars season. He reached the season finale, having won two challenges, but was not chosen to advance to the final two by a jury of previously eliminated queens and subsequently finished in joint third place with Shangela.

Benet appeared with Jujubee, Thorgy Thor, and Alexis Michelle in the TLC television special *Drag Me Down the Aisle* which aired on March 9, 2019, and was later picked up as a series and re-titled Dragnificent.

### Music

Benet's first dance single, "I'm the Sh\*t", has been remixed by Felix Baumgartner, Ralphi Rosario and Mark Picchiotti. He released his second single, "Cameroon" in July 2010. Benet made a cameo appearance in the music video for Erasure's re-release of their song *A Little Respect*, in December 2010 (which was a fundraiser for students of the Harvey Milk Institute in San Francisco). He released his third single "Dirty Drums" on April 17, 2012 via iTunes. His fourth single, "Face," was released on March 3, 2014.

Benet recorded a cover of "Little Drummer Boy" for the *Drag Race* Christmas Queens 4 album.

### Other ventures and tours

In November 2017, Kudi Nwga was a featured performer in *Queens United*, a benefit show created by Phi Phi O'Hara in an effort to raise money to people affected by Hurricane Maria.
In 2018, Kudi Nwga created "Roar", a monthly show featuring interacting dancing.

In 2020, they co-created, produced, and headlined the *Nubia* tour, a live Drag Show celebrating Black drag queens through original music, group choreography, video installations, live vocals, lip syncs, and narrative-driven performance art. On opening night, Vulture.com praised the cast, *RuPaul’s Drag Race* alum; Bob The Drag Queen, Peppermint, Shea Couleé, The Vixen, and Monique Heart, noting the “touching sincerity” and “joyous” celebration of black culture featured in the show.

The tour began its run with sold-out shows in New York City, and has plans to visit Los Angeles, as well as other major cities across the United States.

In June 2021, Kudi Nwga will be featured in "Gospel Brunch Drag Show", an "LGBTQIA+ Youths Of Color Celebrate Black Pride" event, and the virtual "Pride Bigger Than Texas" event livestreamed from the Bonham Exchange. In August 2021, they will be a featured performer and in *Klub Kids London Presents: NOIR: The Tour*, where 25% of the proceeds from the production will be donated to the Black Lives Matter movement.

A documentary film titled *Being Bebe* premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival from June 19–23, 2021, and later screened at the Provincetown International Film Festival on June 23, 2021, and screened for three days. The film documented the past fifteen years of Kudi Nwga's life as Bebe Zahara Benet, including his journey preparing for *RuPaul's Drag Race*. The film won the 2021 Best Documentary Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival.

Outside of drag, Kudi Nwga is the CEO of The Lavish Labs, an event planning and decor firm.

## Personal life

Prior to starting drag, he was a choir director and music teacher.

Kudi Nwga doesn't consider himself a drag queen, and prefers to be called a "drag artist" or "drag performer".

He has named Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, and Alphadi as personal fashion icons.

## Discography

### Extended plays

* Label: Dakarai Morris-James/Marshall Ngwa
 *Kisses & Feathers* | * Release date: November 17, 2017
* Label: Savannah Street Music
 *Broken English* | * Release date: April 23, 2020
* Label: Producer Entertainment Group
 *The Christmas Chanteuse* | * Release date: December 10, 2021
* Label: Producer Entertainment Group
* Formats: Digital download

### Singles

#### As lead artist

 "Dirty Drums/Cameroon" (All Stars Mix)

#### As featured artist

 "Kitty Girl"
 "Winner Winner (Chicken Dinner Remix)" | 2021

## References

1. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Desta, Yohana. "Catching Up with BeBe Zahara Benet, the Very First Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race". *HWD*. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 'Drag Me Down The Aisle' Is The New Drag Queen Wedding Show We All Need (en) (15 February 2019).
3. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Peloquin, Jahna (February 2018). "RuPaul's Drag Race's BeBe Zahara Benet Talks About Her Style Evolution". *Minnesota Monthly*. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Sumanga, Rufaro (April 8, 2020). "In Conversation With Cameroonian Drag Artist Bebe Zahara Benet: 'You Don't Stop Doing Your Work'". *OkayAfrica*. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
5. ↑ How Bebe Zahara Benet starred not one but twice on 'Drag Race' (en). *Queerty* (2018-05-15).
6. ↑ Juergens, Brian (2009-03-25). Interview with the next drag superstar BeBe Zahara Benet. AfterElton.com.
7. ↑ Absolut Dirty Martini - BeBe Zahara Bennet. Logo TV.
8. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"RuPaul's Drag Race's BeBe Zahara Benet Talks About Her Style Evolution". Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Nesterak, Max (March 30, 2018). "From Cameroon to Mpls. to international drag star: BeBe Zahara Benet serves face". *MPR News*. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Dana Moskowitz Grumdahl (September 19, 2021). "The Birth of BeBe Zahara Benet". *Mpls St Paul*. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
11. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Katz, Evan (August 14, 2019). "Revisiting RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1, The 'Lost Season'". *Paper Magazine*. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Sabancontact, Stephen (March 31, 2009). Let the Prizes Begin!. World of Wonder.
13. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Fernandez, Maria (2010-02-26). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' spinoff: Class is in session". *LATimesBlogs*. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved 2019-12-07.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Koch, Drew (2018-01-25). "Bebe Is The 10th Queen On 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 3' & The Other Queens Should Be Shaking In Their Stilettos". *Bustle.com*. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved 2019-12-07.
16. ↑ Bebe Zahara Benet - I'm The Sh\*t (Incl. Felix Baumgartner & Ralphi Rosario Mixes). Traxsource.com.
17. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Gay Iconography: 'A Little Respect' For Erasure's Andy Bell - Towleroad". *Towleroad*. 2014-01-31. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved 2018-06-21.
18. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO30UxZG4Vo
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Grant, David (2018-12-13). WATCH: BeBe Zahara Benet's 'Little Drummer Boy' is the only version that's necessary now.
20. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Armbruster, Jessica (October 5, 2017). "Flip Phone and Phi Phi O'Hara team up for a Puerto Rico benefit loaded with 'RuPaul's Drag Race' alumni". *City Pages*. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
21. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Street, Mikelle (January 29, 2020). "Peppermint, Bob the Drag Queen, Shea Coulee Announce New Show". *Out.com*. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
22. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>McDonald, Soraya (March 5, 2020). "'Nubia' revels in the richness of black drag". *TheUndefeated.com*. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
23. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Lindsay, Benjamin (March 9, 2020). "Nubia Proclaims 'Black Queens Matter' in Drag Race and Beyond". *Vulture.com*. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
24. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Lambe, Sylvia (June 3, 2021). "'LGBTQIA+ YOUTHS OF COLOR' HOST SERIES OF JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS". *YourHub*. Archived from the original on June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
25. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Herrera, Ivan (June 3, 2021). "Pride Bigger than Texas virtual celebration to include 'Drag Race' stars, Tejano singer Shelly Lares, local entertainers". *KSAT*. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
26. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Damshenas, Sam (June 8, 2021). "17 incredible LGBTQ+ friendly events you can attend in the UK this year". *Gay Times*. Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
27. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Reddish, David (June 24, 2021). "BeBe Zahara Benet opens up on her wild, post-'Drag Race' career in 'Being BeBe'". *Queerty*. Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
28. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Fleming, Mike (August 25, 2021). "Watch trailers for key entries at Out on Film 2021". *Project Q Antlanta*. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>McIntyre, Hugh (May 8, 2020). "'Drag Race' Champion BeBe Zahara Benet Talks New Music And Getting Back On The Road Post-Coronavirus". *Forbes*. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
30. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Peloquin, Jahna (February 1, 2018). "RuPaul's Drag Race's BeBe Zahara Benet Talks About Her Style Evolution". *Minnesota Monthly*. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
31. ↑ Ramos, Dino-Ray (March 29, 2021). OUTtv Media Group Teams With Producer Entertainment Group Launch First LGBTQ+ Apple TV Channel.
32. ↑ Lewis, Hilary (May 3, 2021). Tribeca Adds Online Screenings to 2021 Festival Lineup.
33. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>STAFF, Vice (2019-03-07). "'VICE LIVE' Meets Drag Queens BeBe Zahara Benet and Alexis Michelle". *Vice.com*. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved 2020-01-09.
34. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Soren, Tracy (2019-06-21). "A Drag Queen's Guide To Getting Fuller, Luscious Lips With Makeup In Minutes". *RachelRayShow.com*. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
35. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Cao, Caroline (2020-01-17). "'Infinity Train' Season 2 Review: A Delightful Blend of Science Fiction and Whimsy". *SlashFilm.com*. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
36. ↑ Template:Cite AV media
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43. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Nolfi, Joey (July 2, 2020). "Drag Race's BeBe and Ongina reveal the truth behind season 1's infamous filter". *Entertainment Weekly*. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
44. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire and RuPaul's Drag Race Alums Celebrate Pride". *MurfreesBorrow Post*. Jack Daniel's. June 17, 2021. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
45. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Munzenrieder, Kyle (2019-05-03). "How RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Became the Hottest Music Video Accessory". *WMagazine.com*. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
46. ↑ Damshenas, Sam (May 29, 2018). Bebe Zahara Benet revives Jungle Kitty for her gag-worthy new video. *GayTimes.com*.
47. ↑ Freeman, Jon (December 12, 2018). Watch 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Stars Perform Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'. *Rollingstone.com*.
48. ↑ Samanga, Rufaro (April 2, 2020). Watch Cameroonian Drag Artist Bebe Zahara Benet's New Music Video for 'Banjo'. *Okayafrica.com*.
49. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Daw, Stephen (April 24, 2020). "First Out: New Music From Mxmtoon, Billy Porter, Shea Diamond & More". *Billboard*. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
50. ↑ Samanga, Rufaro (April 24, 2020). Listen to BeBe Zahara Benet's New EP 'Broken English'. *Okayafrica.com*.
51. ↑ Nguyen, Nikki (December 10, 2021). Listen to BeBe Zahara Benet's New EP 'Broken English'. *The WOW Report*.
52. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
53. ↑ NEW MUSIC – "Winner Winner (Chicken Dinner Remix)" by Yvie Oddly Featuring BeBe Zahara Benet and Shea Couleé (en-US) (2021-03-24).

## External links

* BeBe Zahara Benet at IMDb
* Bebe Zahara Benet discography on Discogs

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