Looking into the mirror, Gavin Collins grabs a black liner and marks a striking brow with precision. Satisfied, he applies a layer of foundation and contours his cheekbones, blending the tones seamlessly. Like a work of art, his face begins to take shape. Next comes a splash of colour. He borders his eyes with peachy hues and drips a handful of jewels below. The look now complete, Collins studies the person he’s become in the reflection – SufferK8. “Drag isn’t one thing,” he says. “Drag has many layers.”
Although Cape Town is regarded as Africa’s gay capital, Collins felt there weren’t enough spaces where queer people could express themselves. With the LGBT+ community growing, Collins and his friend Michael Cooper decided to give the city’s nightlife scene a much needed makeover. And so, Diskotekah was born. Hosting drag-centric events, the duo inspire their guests to be bold and embrace their individuality. “Drag queens have always been on the fringe of society throughout time,” Collins says. For their first party, he transformed into his drag persona, SufferK8. “It made me feel extremely liberated,” Collins says. “It gave me the confidence to not care what other people think of me.”
Collins and Cooper have taken the drag scene by storm. Each event is fiercer and more fabulous. Renowned for their outlandish themes and jaw-dropping decor, Diskotekah transforms ordinary venues into a space for the queer community to unveil their creativity and talents. With plans to expand the brand across the country, the future of drag isn’t just bright, but glittering. “To see the art of drag move into the mainstream is really encouraging,” Collins says. SufferK8 has turned the dance floor into a platform for freedom, and given others the confidence to shine.
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