By Kevin Ferrisi –
For Kenya Mone Heart, her journey into drag has been a transformative odyssey characterized by creativity, resilience, and self-discovery. From her initial experiences as a spectator at drag shows to emerging as a prominent figure in the drag community, Kenya’s path has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Despite setbacks, such as the interruption of performances due to the recent pandemic, Kenya’s dedication to drag has only deepened. Reflecting on her debut at a drag show revival at her local college, Kenya recognized the profound significance of that moment as the beginning of her journey on stage. Since then, she has flourished as a performer and host, captivating audiences with her unforgettable performances and leaving an indelible mark on the drag scene.
Kenya has been doing drag for just over five years now. Recalling the early days, Kenya mentioned a period of anonymity when she could attend shows and support fellow performers without being in the limelight herself. However, just as she was gaining traction in the scene, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, halting all performances for over a year. Reflecting on her initiation into drag, Kenya pinpointed April 26th, 2019, as the date when she first took to the stage during a revival of a drag show at her college, Western Connecticut State University. The event was memorable not only because it marked her debut as a drag performer and host but also because the footage remains accessible on the school’s YouTube channel. Kenya reminisced about her inaugural performance, sharing the stage with local drag artist Summer Orlando, and how she continued to evolve in subsequent years, eventually performing solo.
Kenya carefully crafted her drag name to honor her heritage and pay homage to iconic figures in the drag community. Drawing from her African roots, she selected ‘Kenya’ as her first name, symbolizing her cultural identity and an overall sense of femininity. Incorporating inspiration from RuPaul’s Drag Race, she adopted ‘Mone’ from Monet X Change, from season 10 and the winner of All Stars season 4, as her middle name. Additionally, her last name, ‘Heart’, pays tribute to another beloved contestant from the show, Mo Heart, who also gained prominence during season 10. Through her name, Kenya celebrates both her heritage and the vibrant legacy of drag culture.
Kenya’s journey into drag began with a profound desire to entertain, rooted in childhood aspirations of becoming a comedian. Kenya started doing drag because she has always had a deep-seated desire to entertain. As a kid, Kenya dreamed of becoming a comedian, idolizing figures like Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and Kevin Hart, who she saw as the kings of comedy. Watching their performances on VHS tapes and shows like Def Comedy Jam, fueled her passion. However, it was when she discovered comedians like Martin Lawrence or Eddie Murphy from “The Nutty Professor” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea” character that she realized she could blend humor with femininity. This revelation allowed Kenya to embrace both aspects of herself – her sense of humor and her femininity – leading her to explore drag as a form of creative expression. Through drag, Kenya not only fulfilled her passion for entertainment but also found liberation in embracing her sexuality and fluidity. It’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment that allows her to authentically express who she is both on and off the stage.
Her style of drag can best be described as a fusion of reality TV star glamour with a touch of a ‘Love & Hip Hop’ edge. Kenya embodies the confidence and allure of someone who’s been in the game for a while, perhaps gracing the screens of reality television. Picture the perfect blend of reality, sexy, and unapologetic charm, with a dash of the cool auntie you’d love to hang out with at a cookout vibe. She aims to exude the energy of someone you’d see on VH1, effortlessly owning every space she enters. For Kenya, it’s all about embracing that larger-than-life persona while staying true to her down-to-earth roots.
When Kenya sees the audience living for her performance, a whirlwind of thoughts runs through her mind. Initially, she is relieved when she tries out something new and it lands successfully. It’s validating to her to know that she is not pushing her body to the limit for nothing. For instance, perfecting the split took her years, progressing from just attempting a simple split to finally executing a 360-degree jump into a split. Each stunt requires relentless practice and self-encouragement. Kenya hypes herself up before each performance, reminding herself that she can do it. Seeing the audience’s reaction confirms that her hard work has paid off, and luckily, she hasn’t broken any bones in the process. As for practice, Kenya incorporates stretching into her daily routine, even during mundane tasks like playing video games. It’s essential for her to keep her body ready for the demands of performing, especially since she incorporates splits into almost every show. It may sound crazy, but it’s necessary to stay prepared for those spontaneous moments on stage.
One of the most profound lessons drag has taught Kenya about herself is the acceptance and celebration of both her feminine and masculine qualities. When growing up, societal norms often dictated that certain behaviors or traits were strictly masculine or feminine, and any deviation from these norms was met with scrutiny or criticism. However, through drag, Kenya has learned that it’s not wrong to express femininity, even as a masculine-presenting individual. Embracing both sides of her identity has allowed her to feel more authentic and empowered. For years, Kenya struggled with societal expectations and family pressures to conform to traditional gender roles. As a Black man, the pressure was even more intense, compounded by the expectations within the family, particularly as the son and grandson of pastors and spending a lot of time in church. However, drag provided Kenya with a platform to challenge these norms and express herself freely. It was a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, where she learned that embracing femininity doesn’t make her any less of a man; it makes her more authentic to herself.
Despite facing challenges and opposition along the way, including familial conflicts and societal judgment, Kenya remained steadfast in her journey of self-expression. She has come to accept that not everyone will understand or support her choices, but that’s okay. What matters most for Kenya is staying true to herself and finding validation within. Through drag, she has not only discovered a newfound confidence and sense of identity, but she has also found healing and empowerment. Kenya feels it’s a constant reminder that authenticity is worth fighting for and that embracing all aspects of oneself is the truest form of liberation.
Reflecting on Kenya’s five years in drag, there are a couple of standout moments that she is incredibly proud of and holds dear to her heart. Firstly, competing in the state’s local drag competition, Chez Legends, formerly known as Chez Queen, during its first season was a defining moment for her. It was her first attempt at a drag competition and didn’t expect to make it to the finale, let alone compete during the ten-week competition. The experience challenged Kenya creatively, and even crafted her own mix for the first time, a Mortal Kombat-themed performance that remains a favorite among friends and fans.
Another unforgettable highlight was during season 9 of Chez Legends where she landed in the finale again and performed a powerful Black Lives Matter protest number. This performance was deeply emotional for her, as she had poured her heart and soul into it for months, from perfecting the choreography to designing the costumes. As she stood on stage, delivering the message through her art, Kenya felt a profound sense of pride and release. The overwhelming support from the audience filled her with gratitude and reaffirmed the importance of using her platform for social change. This led her to win the season 9 finale, which guaranteed her spot competing in Chez Legends All Stars for the title of Mx. Chez Est 2023, landing a close second to Rozz Aura.
Being booked for Lipstick, Lashes, and Lies at Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun was another pivotal moment in Kenya’s drag career, one that filled her with immense pride and gratitude. It was a venue that she admired from afar, dreaming of one day sharing that stage with the talented queens she looked up to. Kenya knew it was where stars were made. Booking that show felt like a dream come true for Kenya. She went from being an admirer in the audience to becoming one of its regular co-hosts, a transition that still amazes Kenya to this day. She remembers feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief when she was first asked to host, unsure if she was ready for such a role. However, with each performance, Kenya found her confidence growing.
Then came the opportunity to perform at Foxwoods, one of the largest casinos in the state. It was a moment she never envisioned for herself, let alone being treated as a celebrity entertainer with a paid night and room. The journey from being an aspiring performer to gracing the stages of these prestigious venues has been surreal, filled with moments of disbelief and gratitude. As she looks back on these proud moments, she is reminded of the countless hours of hard work and dedication that have led her to where she is today. These moments, alongside being chosen as the Grand Marshal for Middletown Pride in 2022, hold significant weight in Kenya’s drag journey. Each experience has not only allowed her to showcase her artistry but has also pushed her to grow and evolve as a performer.
Kenya expresses admiration for drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, such as Monet X Change, Latrice Royale, Shea Couleé, Honey Davenport, Mo Heart, Mayhem Miller, Ra’Jah O’Hara and the list goes on. These trailblazers have made significant strides in the drag community as Black individuals. She resonates with Shea Couleé’s sentiment about her drag being a love letter to Black women, feeling compelled to leave behind a legacy that uplifts and inspires others like her. Despite facing societal challenges and discrimination, Kenya believes it’s essential to showcase the success and happiness that people of color can achieve. She sees herself as part of a legacy of resilience and determination of the Black queer community, where individuals pave the way for themselves and others, even creating their own opportunities when necessary. Kenya reflects on the monumental presence of RuPaul, who has overcome obstacles and become a household name in the drag world despite initial doubts. She acknowledges the significance of drag moving from niche channels like Logo to mainstream platforms like VH1, highlighting the progress made in recognizing drag as a vital part of pop culture. Kenya sees herself as part of this evolving legacy, aspiring to contribute to the ongoing narrative of representation and empowerment for marginalized communities.
For someone just starting out in drag, or considering it, Kenya offered a few key pieces of advice. Firstly, manage your expectations. It’s essential to have goals and aspirations but remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Your journey in drag will be a process, and it’s okay to start small and work your way up. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t reach your ultimate vision right away. Secondly, Kenya suggests embracing your own artistry. While some performers may rely on others to do their makeup, it’s crucial to develop your skills and know-how to paint your own face. This doesn’t mean you won’t seek help occasionally, but understanding your craft empowers you as an artist. Thirdly, she says to not be afraid to experiment and try new things. For Kenya, drag is all about pushing boundaries and expressing yourself creatively. Take risks, whether it’s with your makeup, your fashion choices, or your performances. It’s through experimentation that you’ll discover your unique style and brand as a drag performer. Lastly, find your niche and own it. Stand out from the crowd by showcasing what makes you different and special. Don’t try to emulate others; instead, focus on developing your persona and brand. Authenticity is key in drag, so embrace who you are and let your individuality shine through.
In the future, be on the lookout for Kenya Mone Heart apparel and merchandise dropping soon. Kenya is also excited about exploring music as a drag performer. She wants to start creating soundtracks and singles that reflect her unique style and artistic vision. It’s a new avenue for her, but Kenya is eager to dive into it and see where it takes her. Moreover, Kenya is constantly honing her craft and pushing herself to create captivating and innovative looks for her performances. Kenya has been sketching a lot lately and is excited to bring these ideas to life on stage. From elaborate costumes to stunning makeup, she wants to continue pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable performances. Overall, her goals include expanding her brand through merchandise, exploring new creative ventures like music, and continuing to evolve as an entertainer. You can catch Kenya at shows throughout the month throughout the state. Follow her on Instagram to stay updated on all her show dates and times. You can also catch her bi-monthly hosting Comix Roadhouse’s weekly drag show Lipstick, Lashes, and Lies which runs every Friday and Sunday at Mohegan Sun.
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