Rising Stars: Meet Shanita Bump of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanita Bump.

Hi Shanita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got my start as a club kid in NYC, hitting the scene in fully realized looks for parties my friends hosted. Pulling looks wasn’t just a hobby it was my art, and I quickly realized I had the eye and passion for performing. Hosting was never really my thing; I’ve always been a performer at heart.
My first official drag performance was a little show at The Rosemont in Brooklyn, and from there, I just really took off. I’ve since performed across the country and out of the country bringing my horror inspired style and kink fueled drag to stages at festivals like Bushwig and Wasteland Weekend. Alongside performing I’ve had the honor of speaking on panels at horror conventions, being interviewed, walked in NYFW and representing black queer horror in spaces where there’s not a lot of representation like myself. These days I’m still performing, I’m a resident performer in San Francisco for Dykes of Darkness a lesbian vampire kink play party.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obviously with how I look and identify there’s never gonna be a smooth road to success, I’ve had plenty of experiences with snarky comments , pay difference and any other forms racism & misogyny.. I’ve learned to speak up for myself when it comes to this industry and if my needs aren’t being met this isn’t the gig for me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a SFX horror kink performance artist. I’m mostly known for my out there looks and gag worthy performances. I’m most proud of getting to where I’m at all by myself, with drag you see its for most people the end goal to be on a drag competition show, I have never been on one and been able to make a name for myself. I think what really separates myself is being able to come up with the numbers I do that either turn you on or make you throw up there’s no in between.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think what surprises most people when it comes to my art is that most of it is made pretty quickly always just on time with deadlines a lot of it isn’t planned too far ahead. I’m able to create a full look, the music and the routine in little to no time usually.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shanitabump
• Twitter: @shanitabump
• Other: Cashapp $shanitacheck TikTok @shanitabump