Getting to know Raven Mandella

We catch up with the Iconic Queen, Dj, Host, Activist and Drag Mother

What a year it has been, how has it affected you personally?

Oh, it's been a pretty tough one! Obviously financially as I work in the music industry and nightlife club scene. So, no work or money coming in, which has been pretty tough, but I've had to just adapt to the situation. It's not nice having the money coming in that I'm used to, but at the same time I come from a family who has no money and living on just what is needed. I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge myself and loved ones are healthy so I'm incredibly thankful and happy for that. I'm a bit of a recluse anyway so being on my own I love. But I'm absolutely gagging for the days when I can get my nightlife habits back!! I need to entertain an audience and make people smile.

The BLM movement has been a huge part of your social media presence, how did it all affect you and what did you think of it personally from when it started?

it was watching the video of George Flloyd publicly murdered by the people in power who are supposed to work for us and protect us! That just hit me really deeply! It was a pain that all black people and people of colour all felt. We spend are lives trying our best to be a part of a system that consciously and or subconsciously sees us as a threat and second class. And no matter how much we try to adapt to make others feel comfortable, it's never enough. We are seen as aggressive, Angry, difficult! We as if you are white these traits are seen and passionate, determined, headstrong. In that moment I had just had enough! Enough of making myself small to make other feels comfortable. Because watching that it became clear that no matter how hard we plead to be heard, no matter how submissive we are no matter how loyal we are now matter how hard we try to be understood! It's never enough! and it was like a universal awakening. Finally people saw and felt the things that we as people of colour having been dealing with for our whole lives, and it united people. Ive been waiting for the day to come when we can speak openly and be heard, but you need everyone on the same page to be able to do it without it draining your energy, and for the first time I really feel that people are waking up to the reality of the world for people of colour and are beginning to understand the privileges in life they are afforded that most of us are not. and that is a good thing. it's not negative to have these conversations. it's needed to begin to unravel the evil that is systemic racism. and we can only do that together.

The protests were huge and a great show of solidarity in the POC community and their allies,

Do you think it was enough? has it made a difference? what do you think needs to happen moving forward to keep the momentum going?

Moving forward I feel like we need more black people ad people of colour in real positions of power to be able to make positive change. People need to want to understand and educate themselves on matters regarding race. I am always open to have discussions about these things with people as I'm am a very ope and understanding person. But it's our responsibility to make others deal with a mess we never created. Systemic racism and just racism in general is a poison that runs deep. And it will take unity, empathy and love to deal with it.

What is Raven Mandellas' back story, where did you grow up, how was your childhood.

I'm originally from Chapletown in Leeds! Same place Mel B comes from! lol It's the ghetto and was a pretty tough place to grow up. but I have always had a loving family. My father died before I was born, I was brought by my mum and my nana. My mum was only 17 when she had me I'm the oldest of 5. 2 brothers 2 sisters. The area I am from is know for lots of crime. shootings, drugs and prostitution. My mum was a street worker when I was a kid. She did what she had to do to bring us all up. There isn't another person I respect more on this earth than my mum. She sacrificed herself to make sure we were fed and had a roof over our heads. My brothers father used to beat my mum up when I was a kid. and we had to live with that for 14 years, that was tough and I remember always feeling afraid at home. Even still we grow up respectful, strong, independent, good people.

I my early teens I became a martial artist and by the time I was 18 I was regional champion and one of the top fighters in Europe. Growing up gay was pretty hard I guess. at the time I had to have a strong exterior in order to survive my environment. I didn't come out until I was 22/23.

Who was your inspiration and why?

Oh I loved Bruce Lee and martial artists. Jacki Chan, Jet Lee, Chuck Norris, Cynthia Rothrock, JCVD etc I just loved the elegance of Kung Fu and the artistry and choreography of the fight scenes. things Like crouching tiger hidden dragon, and house of flying dagger just awaking a deep a appreciation and love for all things associated with the martial arts.

We love your DJ sets, proper funky! When did you get into that?

I first started djing when I was about 19 years old. I bought my best friends old turntables from and then started to build my catalogue of Bassline, funky and electro house vinyl. I used to throw these now legendary parties at my family home when my mum would go away for the weekend! I'd have like 50 people packed into my bedroom, with smoke machine strobe lighting and massive speakers. Was great! To this day people talk about those parties!! lol

Loving all your looks, we get Drag Queen, Fashion Icon and Club Kid, Hostess would you agree?

Yeah I stared out mainly presenting a female persona, but that as evolved other the years. I say why be one thing when you can be EVERYTHING! I just present how I'm feeling which works for me. I would never like to get pigeonholed as a specific form of anything. That way you can always have the element of surprise and that's how you stay interesting.

Obvisouly drag mother to the Astina Mandella currently on Rupauls Drag Race, how many more children do you have?

Yes, I have 2 Official children, Asttina is my first-born child, who I am incredibly proud of. She is a kind soul and its great to see her develop into a fully fledged queen in her own right.. My 2nd and equally as gorgeous and Talented, Is the stunning Brandy "X" Mandella. Originally from the USA and also a child of the Legendary house of Xtravaganza. I took her under my wing when she came to the UK and when she is in the UK she is House of Mandella but forever exudes femme realness of Xtravaganza! Both children are POC, talented, kind and loyal and have big hearts, and that is what wanted me to help them establish themselves in the scene. And do for them what my drag mother Mzz Kimberly did for me when I arrived in London to who I am forever loyal ad grateful too.

Are you Single? if yes are you looking? who would be your ideal partner?

I am single and have been for believe it or not 11 years now!!! Yeah, I am open to the idea of being in a fully committed relationship, but for some reason the right guy just hasn't come along yet. I am an all or nothing type of person. Im 100% authentic and true to myself and I need somebody who will love and appreciate me for exactly what and who I am. I have a big heart, I'm loyal, honest, kind, good in bed and I can cook! I'd make somebody a great wife! haha My heart is the one thing I've never given away fully. ts my most treasured possession and hopefully someday the right man who is strong but kind will come along and earn it. and we will both live happily ever after! The End! haha

Celeb Crush and why?

Celeb crush, Joe Manganiello!! Cos he's a big sexy bastard who looks like he could throw me about a bit! I like em BIG! lol

Advice you would give your teen self?

Just continue to believe in who you are. You are different to everybody else and you always will be and that's not only a good thing, but it is going to be your biggest asset. You can be exactly what you want to become in life and you're going to. Your heart, empathy and authenticity are your powers. Embrace them!!

What are you goals in life?

To continue to push forward and become a true success in my career. As a dj I want to travel the world sharing my love and energy and make a good living from it. I want to leave my mark and be credited and appreciated for my work and endurance. I want to find love and happiness for only from within but to be a recipient of it from the man of my dreams. But also, to find inner peace. But mor than anything to continue to receive the blessings and fortunes I receive through my many skill sets, creativity and energy.

Favourite Drink

Champagne darling! Love it! But also I do love and vodka Fresh lime and soda. Thats my drink in the club. Uless I need to get giddy then I love a vodka Redbull! Oooo and I Love fruity cocktails also! ALL OF IT!! haha

Favourite TV/Film you have seen in the past year?

It's got to be "It's a Sin" Heart breaking but an absolute masterpiece. I watched the whole thing in 1 night.

Anything Exciting coming up for Raven?

Well I have a few things in the pipelines, I can't really going into them fully atm. But I am working with my agents and a few publications to get things i place for when our nightlife industry reopens i'm in a great position to pursue some of my main career goals. So i'm excited about that.

Who would you like to Shoutout here and why?

shout out to my friends Tasty Tim, Andrea Dudbridge & Lola Marlin and my drag mother Mzz Kimberly. Just for being great friends and support throughout this past year. I appreciate their love and consideration. You need good friends looking out for you.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just to ask people to continue to hang i there! Its been an horrific year for us all. For the first time in a long time we are all united in our suffering at the same time. So look out for each other! We will survive this by supporting each other. Being kinder to one another and by wearing our masks in crowded spaces. Can you imagine the parties that are going to be had at the end of all this!! I'm looking forward to those days!! I will see you there. Until then, I do a live disco stream every Saturday from 9pm over on TWITCH! Come over for a laugh, some drinks and fabulous disco and house music! www.twitch.tv/ravenmandella

Where can people find Raven Mandella on Social Media?

on social media you can find me on fb Raven Mandella, Insta @raven_mandella Soundcloud: Raven Mandella! And for my Saturday night disco streams over on TWITCH from 9pm. www.twitch.tv/ravenmandella