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‘BEING BEBE’: HONORING DRAG AND TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ROOTS
“Being BeBe” is the story about
Marshall Ngwa, an African artist whose identity hinges on the complicated success of his drag persona, BeBe Zahara Benet. Grounded by Ngwa’s own present-day narration, the film features 15 years of vérité, interviews and performances illustrating his journey to “Queer Black Excellence.”
From his COVID-standstill in Minneapolis, Minn., U.S.A., Ngwa watches and reacts vibrantly to sequences the filmmakers have shot with him over the years. Like everyone in Minneapolis, he grieves the tragedy of George Floyd. Just months before, 2020 was poised to be BeBe’s “breakthrough year,” with a new TV show, music album and live show – until COVID-19 hit.
The clips unfurl a time capsule: His early days as a promising amateur drag performer in the Minneapolis clubs, his family backstory and immigrant narrative.
Directed by filmmaker Emily Branham, “Being Bebe” follows the ups and downs of Ngwa’s remarkable journey over 15 years, from the earliest days of his amateur career in Minneapolis to his emergence as a national icon in drag performance culture.
Throughout it all, Ngwa — aka BeBe — honors the deep connection he still maintains with his traditional African roots and family.
Scan the code below to check out the trailer for “Being BeBe: The BeBe Zahara Benet Documentary.” cultursmag.com/being-bebe-documentary
