STAR OF THE MONTH: Kofi

By Johnny Trlica

The show business phrase, “the show must go on,” has been around since the 19th century. It began in circuses of the day and generally pertained to an animal that got loose or if a performer was injured. The ringmaster and the band tried to keep the show going so that the crowd would not panic.

“The show must go on” means that regardless of what happens, whatever show has been planned still has to be staged for the waiting patrons.

Today the phrase is broadly applied to the hotel industry, restaurants, and all of show business in general. The phrase is used to convey the idea that an event or activity must continue even if there are problems or difficulties.

About a month ago, we asked Kofi if he would grace the pages of Montrose Star as our Star of the Month. We prepared the questions and emailed them to him and in about a week received the answers you see below.
Little did we realize that Kofi had replied to our email from a hospital bed, having recently had a stroke. The Houston legend showed us that indeed, “the show must go on.”

Kofi lights up the stage whatever stage he appears on and has a following unequaled in the Bayou City. When we ask other performers who your inspiration is, the name Kofi is a frequent answer.

The Montrose Star Spotlight is shining on Kofi.

Name: Kofi.

Pronoun? He/Him.

Zodiac sign: Gemini.

What is your original hometown?
Leesville, Louisiana. (Leesville is a small town of about 5,000 people about 50 miles west of Alexandria).

The term “living legend” may be overused in today’s society but I think it really describes you. What’s it like being a “living legend?”
I never considered myself a living legend. I simply love what I do (the art form of female impersonation) and I love the people.

How long have you been doing drag/entertaining?
45 years.

When was the first time you did drag and what motivated you to begin performing?
My friends talked me into doing drag one night at Robert Lafitte’s in Galveston. I didn’t have anything to wear, but everyone gave me different things to put together a look. I had so much fun and got really good tips. I was instantly hooked.

Who are some performers you enjoy working with today?
Roxanne Collins, Tommie Ross, Reign LaRue, Adriana LaRue, The Texas Twins – Kara and Tara Dion, and so many others.

What number do your fans insist that you perform?
You Are My Friend, Over the Rainbow and When You’ve Been Blessed – all by Patti LaBelle.

What is the thing you enjoy most about being on stage?
The people.

Do you have a pet peeve about being on stage?
Not being able to hear the music.

Who is your inspiration? Any drag role models?
Hot Chocolate, Donna Day, Naomi Sims, and Tasha Khol – Kofi is a little bit of each of them.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I’m actually kind of shy.

When not on stage what do you do for fun?
Watch Beyond the Gates, spend time with my chihuahua Bailey, and catch up with family and friends.

What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about drag culture?
People think we all do it because we want to be women, when we simply just enjoy the art form.

What are your thoughts on all the anti-trans and anti-drag show rhetoric coming from political activists?
People will always fear what they don’t understand and there has been a lot of misrepresentation of what things really are.

What is the most recent television series you binge watched?
I haven’t binged watched anything, but I do make sure to catch Beyond the Gates.

Note: a benefit show for Kofi will be held at Barcode on Saturday, July 5, with a social at 6pm and showtime at 7pm. Roxanne Collins will host with performances by Americus K. Love, Mon’Terio J. Ross, Jerry Ramirez, and others.

All of Houston is praying for a speedy recovery for Kofi.

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