Looking regal and resplendent in the more traditional of her two famous wedding gowns, Queenie Ladi Gangsta held court backstage at Sting 2022 at Priory in St Ann, prior to taking the stage where she was billed for a highly anticipated clash with A’mari DJ Mona Lisa on Boxing Day.
For the 51-year-old London-based social media personality and dancehall artiste, it was her Sting debut and she was determined to make the most of it. Queenie stepped onstage in her wedding dress and matching headpiece, but that seemed to be for dramatic effect, because she quickly disrobed to reveal her skin-tight bodysuit, which was definitely a more appropriate attire for somebody who was up for a challenge. A quick flick of A’mari’s wrist, however, saw Queenie headpiece flying off her head and, just as swiftly, A’mari’s red wig took flight. That catfight was exactly belly-laugh cleanse that the doctor ordered for patrons who were watching in the venue and online with their popcorn. They gobbled up every minute of the clash, all 11 of them, and cheered when Queene was declared the winner.
For the social media sensation, whose real name is Janese Espeut, that was a moment she will never forget, and she has experienced quite a few such moments.
In March 2021, for example, Queenie had the place in a frenzy with her Hellshire Beach wedding to her then fiancee Dewey, who is 20 years her junior. She provided a live broadcast of their nuptials subscribers on her YouTube channel and more than 12,000 tuned in to watch.
Queenie can be the most charming person alive, but as some folk would say, “Don’t get on her wrong side.” She loves the spotlight and is “a people person” whose social media followers see her as an inspiration owing to her emotional vulnerability and her always-honest self-assessment.
As an artiste, Queenie is known for the songs Ring, One Man To Mi Goodie and Double Tap Remix.
Going into the much-talked-about Sting clash, Queenie’s slogan was ‘One Queen in the Deck’, and today that is ringing true. Despite her busy schedule, the Queen made some time this week to hold audience with Five Questions With ...
1. Now that the Sting excitement should has settled a bit, how is the One Queen in the Deck feeling?
God is not dead; he is alive! In 2022 the Queen was meant to be at Sting and win.
2. Do you think that you and A’mari can ever become friends?
Who knows? The same mouth that seh ‘No’ come back and seh ‘yes’. And I don’t have any grudge against A’mari. Mi love A’mari for being A’mari.
3. Was Dewey watching your performance and what has been his reaction?
My husband was watching and he is proud of me as the wife who he knows would go out there and serve him proud. So him watch it from start to finish two million times.
4. Have you been approached by any producers or promoters for songs or shows since Sting?
The same night when I was driving out a man see mi and seh that he wanted to release something for me tomorrow morning, but I didn’t take any note of him becaue I wanted to release something on my own independently because I am the Sting winner. And since I am Sting winner I owe myself that right because myself is priority in everything. So yes, I do get approach, and also for booking. But I still haven’t finalised any boookings since winning Sting, because it have to recalculate. Yesterday’s price is not today’s price, so I can’t jump to say any price.
5. What are your goals for 2023?
My goals for 2023 ... three is my lucky number. I have Double Tap Girl Power, one of the hotest songs from 2020 until now.. the gal dem anthem. My aim is to endorse my talent, market myself, and mek the people dem see and know that mi have performance because that has a lot to do with your career as an artiste. So I just wanna go and let the world see that I am multi-talented.
BRAWTA: How will you be ringing in the New Year?
I’m going to put all grudge behind ... all of the bad vibes ... all who trouble mi. Mi just want let that go and forgive them and just turn a new leaf and mek bare money. Mi rich in spirit, mi just want to rich in cash now. Thanks to everybody who support mi, thanks to everybody who mek Sting possible. Every mickle help, one one cocoa full basket, so everybody is a part of it so everybody fi tek credit. Sting we sting it out! And that was December 26 Queen Ladi Gangsta versus A’mari and we took it to the stage and we went well. Queenie have girl power every hour. A me always a shout fi di gal dem. Who run di world? Girls!
yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com [3]