Mami WadaThe journey begins on the Ivory Coast, where the future queen takes the resistance for the first time before relocating to St. Denis, balances with her passion for performance. Rapidly rising in Paris’ resistance and banquet hall scenes, she is known for her bold appearance, powerful stage performances and turning her eponymous character (the legendary African goddess) into acts of liberation. Mami Watta is a member of Ladurée's Trailblazer House and the fixtures for the iconic Parisian cabaret show, and has long been celebrated as one of France's most creative drag artists. She is the finalist for the second season Drag France Then again into the Walker room and took the rightful place in the International Drag Race Hall of Fame.
Now, as the first winner of all time Drag the French All-StarsMami Watta cemented her legacy as a pioneer and powerhouse. Her triumph is the climax of years of growth, resilience and fearless artisticity, and the performance blends her Ivorian legacy, ballroom roots and the aesthetics of the African future, becoming a fascinating vision of modern resistance. With the assurance of his championship, Mami Watta has advanced from documentary projects in Côte d'Ivoire to documentary projects in solo performances and beyond, and is ready to attract audiences on both the French and international stages.
In our exclusive interview, we have the opportunity to talk to Mami about her All-Star journey, and more.
How does it feel to officially become the first official racing competition for the French All-Star Champion?
OK, it feels great. If I say that, it feels like it should be worth it. I am so happy. Honestly, this is a dream come true. Really, this is really great.
Can you take me to the moment when Nicky Doll announces your name? What is your idea?
Honestly, it feels so fast because today we worked hard for a few months and it's over here today. I might win, I might lose. I don't know what's going on. I don't want to win. It was very exciting and I was very, very happy when I heard my name.
What would it be if you had to describe your journey with all the stars in three words?
I would say growth, revenge and fashion. I think these words best describe my season.
How is it different to compete on all stars compared to your original star Drag France season?
Honestly, I felt more relaxed this season because when I was in season 2, I was like new, but I did a drag for two years, so I was like a baby girl, and I was like fighting for my whole life here compared to all those girls who were dragging about 10, eight, eight and everything. I want to win, but I don't think I can do it.
But, this time when I came back, I knew all the Queens, they were my friends, so I had to send them home this season. But I was like this is what we were going to do, and this time I really wanted to win, and I thought I could win, so I was really relaxing this season.
Do you think there are indeed specific challenges or the appearance of the runway really ensures your crown?
I think it's the whole episode 4 because the challenge is fun. It's a girls group challenge, something I like to do, and then the track is surgery, so it's like it's very close to home. That's very dark. I think this is very powerful. Then I also ate the lips synchronized. I think the whole episode is special to me, and I think it's my favorite episode. I think that's one of the reasons I won.
Who is your biggest game of the season and what have they brought to you?
I think this is obviously eLips. I think we have two completely different resistances. I must say she did something more subtle, something more poetic, and I was louder and my face was even more vocal. It was great to see how she handled the challenge, it was like pushing me to do better because I was thinking, this girl might win, I wanted to win, so it gave the fuel to do better.
What was the most difficult moment of the season? How did you push it?
This is definitely a snatch game. I think I'm terrible. I was terrible and I was sad afterwards. I thought, this was the worst day of my life. I never cried like I did that day. I thought it was over for me because I thought La Big Bertha would win and I almost sent her home. So, I thought, oh, it's the perfect storyline. She is going to send me home, and my story ends here. I'm so sad. It was definitely the hardest day there.
Your runway is incredible. Can you tell us the inspiration behind your favorite look this season?
I have a lot of favorites. joke. I think I want to choose the last one. The last episode is because it is indeed very close to home. Directly from my culture. I had to call my parents so they could tell me the story of the mask so that I could reinterpret it in an aesthetically pleasing way, but it also tells a story. I think that's my favorite look and I'm very, very happy to present it in this way. People love it, so it makes me really happy.
The drag in France has a very rich cultural and artistic background. How does French art, fashion or history inspire your resistance?
I mean, France is a cultural country. There are so many cultures in France that I think it is inevitable to have French culture in your resistance. Even the girls I've been dragging in America, they've been doing Marie Antoinette for years and we've actually gotten tired of it, but real French culture is everywhere and you can see it everywhere.
So for us, we live in France, we go to cafes, we are inspired, and we see fashion and people on the street every day, we are inspired. I think that's why France has the best runway because it's a country of fashion, it's a country of runway, and I think it's a country of fashion.
Are you back what you proved this season, do you feel like you've achieved…apparently?
Yes, I definitely feel like I have something to prove because in my original season, I also played the finale, people – not that they were disappointed, but many people think I shouldn't be there. I won't disagree because I'm obviously not the best decision. Actually, I'm glad to be there.
So this time I just wanted to prove them wrong and say I was actually a talented girl, that wasn't fl luck. If I get into the finale, I can do it alone again, and I want to win something because I didn't win anything in my first season. I definitely wanted to win that season, I won three times so it was cute!
Now that you are officially the All-Star Champion, what's next?
The closest thing to me is that I am making a documentary. I'm going to go back to Côte d'Ivoire for shooting in November. So it would be amazing. Then, I was doing a personal show because I wanted to work in France with my own material and then I wanted to do a lot of things. I'm open to everything. I want to make a movie, I want to go to the runway. I'm willing to call. If anyone wants to call me, please call me. I will answer!
Re-examine theatre and fashion of the French All-Stars at the Atletico de la Mar Wow gift plus. Follow Mami Instagram.
