Holding a club night this weekend at Whammy Bar with musician Jess B, Half Queen aka Shaki Wasasala is well versed in creating spaces where people can be free and respected, especially for members of the queer, transgender, and people of colour (QTPOC) communities. The 24-year-old's influence can be felt on social media too, where she uses Instagram (@half.queen) to empower all women and those who follow her.
With a love of unapologetic glamour, Shaki cites Lady Gaga, Madonna, Chaka Khan, WWE Superstars, 70s disco queens, The Matrix, and her mother as style inspirations. "My style reflects my duality, my masculine and feminine energies and search for balance. It's an armour as much as it is wearing my insides on my outside."
"I am... a creatrix that does what is necessary."
"I'm passionate about...creating spaces that provide a safe space and freedom for the QTPOC community because it's necessary and what the city is missing. The city (and the entire world) can get behind it by teaching their children from birth that ignorance, bigotry and hate aren't tolerated, so places like this become void in the future and we live in a world where everybody is respected and valued."
"My favourite place to go dancing is...Showgirls."
"My style reflects...my duality, my masculine and feminine energies and search for balance. It's an armour as much as it is wearing my insides on my outside."
"Favourite song to get me on a dancefloor without fail is...Work by Rihanna."
