Vogue Nights get Mzansi walking and talking

JAMAL GROOTBOOM

IN THE last few years ballroom culture and vogue has seen a global resurgence and the South African queer community is no different.

Known as one of the cornerstones of queer culture, at a ball, a house member walks in various categories for a panel of judges where they get scored out of 10. The goal is to get the grand prize along with the judges giving you 10s across the board.

Enter Vogue Nights Jozi, started by queer DJ and activist Lelo Whatsgood, real name Lelo Meslani. The event has become a highlight for many in the queer community.

Speaking about why he started Vogue Nights, Lelo said: “I saw the lack of diverse spaces for the queer community, especially in Johannesburg.

“And I took inspiration from the ballroom culture that had been

popping up at the time during 2018 and I thought it would be cute if we had a space like this and still carry the values and ideas fundamental to the culture and bring them home. And by like the second year when Tutu (Zondo) joined as the official MC, they are the creative (director) and the sort of partner in that.”

While ballroom culture originated in New York City, it has become global and the local LGBTQIA+ community has embraced it.

“We have kick-ass DJs so you can expect good music, good vibes and we wait for people to get into it, to arrive, you know, and have them socialise, network and meet people they have not seen.

“One of the things Vogue Nights has done is rekindle the community.

“And in the middle of the event, that’s where we start the ball. I’m usually playing the music for the categories, then Tutu is the MC for the night. We have houses, participants and the categories and we have an ‘open for all category’ where all the gurls can participate if they don’t belong to a house.

“And the (DJ) line-up continues and it’s a party.”

Walking in a ball might seem daunting, but Lelo shared some tips for those planning to make that leap to the ballroom floor.

“My advice is be comfortable as you come as you are. I think it’s a really good environment just to let go. Feel and live your inner fantasy.

“It’s a space of no discrimination and judgement. It’s all love. And if you are comfortable, come as you are. Keep an open heart and mind – that’s best.”

One of the biggest moments Lelo shared from previous Vogue Nights was when they got the House of Ninja in Paris to come to South Africa. The experience was more than just them attending the event. They were able to do a cultural exchange where Lelo got advice to help them shape their balls better, including a voguing workshop and tips to mix music for voguing.

Expanding on the other house he would like to come to Vogue Nights, Lelo said it was the House of Oricci, who competed in the second season of Legendary. “I really like them. I think they’re really good.”

Speaking about the future of Vogue Nights, Lelo said: “I think our future lies in expanding throughout the country ... I think we just like reaching as many parts as we can and bringing it to the townships as well.

“The queer community there is so untapped and I think there are big opportunities that lie there.”

Tutu Zondo and Moonchild Sanelly. | Thabo Mthombeni / @downtownthabz