Social media star and vlogger Zeinab Harake recently captivated audiences when she made her debut as a drag queen at a local performance bar.
The event, which was part of her latest YouTube content, saw Zeinab collaborating with renowned drag queen artist Maxie Andreison to bring an exciting twist to her usual style of entertainment.
The collaboration came after numerous requests from Zeinab’s fans, who noted her resemblance to Maxie. Eager to deliver, Zeinab and Maxie worked together on a synchronized routine, which they rehearsed intensely at a studio in preparation for the performance.
To fully embrace the drag experience, Zeinab underwent a full transformation. A team of stylists dressed her in layers of padding, stockings, a tight corset, and a wig to match Maxie’s signature look, creating a striking “twin” appearance. The preparation process was thorough, as Zeinab wore padding to enhance her chest and hips, while her outfit included high boots and multiple accessories to complete the drag ensemble.
ZEINAB AND MAXIE TOGETHER WTF pic.twitter.com/bP5wYhnovu
— Maika ◡̈ (@MaikaTiu) September 18, 2024
When the moment arrived, Zeinab confidently took to the stage and performed her routine flawlessly, much to the delight of the audience. Her presence and performance were so well-received that the crowd erupted in cheers, unaware that it was Zeinab performing until after her number was complete.
MAXIE “3 CHALLENGE WINS” ANDREISON WITH ZEINAB HARAKE #DragRacePH pic.twitter.com/zMIjmtqzBK
— Maika ◡̈ (@MaikaTiu) September 18, 2024
After the performance, Zeinab expressed her gratitude to the drag performers, especially Maxie, for the opportunity. She also shared her reflections on the challenges she faced in preparing for the role.
“Mahirap siya, hindi siya biro,” she added while a team helped put on her outfit.
In her vlog’s final segment, Zeinab candidly admitted the discomfort she experienced. She described how the tight corset made it difficult to breathe, her feet ached from the boots, and her scalp was sore from the wig’s hairpins.
“Ganito pala ‘yung buhay niyo, ang saya,” Zeinab told Maxie. “Masaya siya pero masakit.”
“Tiis ganda ka talaga ‘day,” Maxie said.
Zeinab added, “Sana po bigyan niyo ng increase ‘yung mga drag queen. Ang sakit po ng ginagawa nila.”
The experience gave Zeinab a newfound respect for drag queens, and she even called for better compensation for drag performers, recognizing the physical demands and effort that go into each performance.
Before their performance, Zeinab already thanked Maxie. “Ngayon palang, thank you… Walang echos. Pinagbigyan mo ko na maramdaman, maranasan ‘yung work mo. Maraming salamat.”
She added, “Hindi siya biro guys ah. Kaya taasan niyo talaga ‘yung mga TF nila dahil ang sakit talaga.”
Zeinab’s drag queen debut has sparked conversations about the challenges faced by drag artists, with her YouTube vlog providing a glimpse into the hard work that goes into the craft.
“Big shoutout sa mga drag queens. Saludo po sa inyo sa pagbibigay ng saya sa mga tao, and sana po, humaba pa ang ating mga buhay, i-bless pa tayo ni Lord, at sana magtuloy-tuloy ang kasiyahan sa mundong ito,” Zeinab said before ending the vlog.
