Johannes Radebe reflects on his journey and role in Kinky Boots
Johannes Radebe, renowned for his electrifying role as drag queen Lola in the West End musical Kinky Boots, shared insights into his experiences navigating fame and acceptance during a recent interview, reports BritPanorama.
Radebe’s charisma and hard work have made him a beloved figure on Strictly. Raised in Zamdela township, he has openly discussed the sacrifices he made to support his family, which included various menial jobs before achieving success in dance. He fondly recalls his experience as the first all-male couple paired with John Whaite during the 2021 season of Strictly.
Reflecting on the emotional aspects of being lifted by Whaite, Radebe stated, “Ohhh, it unlocked parts of me that I did not know were there and did not know needed to be unlocked.” This transition was both a personal and professional evolution, allowing him to connect deeply with his own identity.
During a video chat, Radebe expressed how his upbringing—marked by both support and adversity—shaped his determination to excel. Born in Sasolburg in 1987, his mother played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent, while he grappled with the complex relationship with his father, who struggled with alcoholism. “I loathed my father and I hated alcohol for a long time,” he remarked, recalling the emotional toll it took on his family.
His journey to acceptance involved confronting his past, including painful memories of bullying during his school years. Radebe revealed, “The bullying caused him to consider suicide,” indicating the severity of the struggles he faced. He acknowledges the ongoing presence of homophobia in society, yet emphasizes the positive changes he has observed.
His partnership with Whaite helped him confront his fears and evolve as a performer. Radebe admitted to reconsidering his approach to choreography, stating, “I struggled with creating dances for two men in the beginning.” Yet, he ultimately found joy and safety in the vulnerability of being lifted by Whaite, leading to a transformative experience both on and off the dance floor.
Despite the pressure of public scrutiny, both Radebe and Whaite forged a significant friendship. Radebe is keen to clarify misunderstandings regarding their relationship as he noted, “It was not tasteful, how John was misinterpreted on that,” expressing frustration with how the media presented their bond.
Now residing in the UK while performing in Kinky Boots, Radebe reflected on his mother’s acceptance of his role and the importance of representation. He noted, “It feels so wonderful” to receive applause and love from audiences in a manner he never felt growing up.
As he prepares to conclude his role in Kinky Boots, Radebe acknowledged the need to reassess his smoking habit, indicating plans to seek help post-performance. His journey from a challenging upbringing to a celebrated performer serves as an inspiration to many, encapsulating themes of resilience and authenticity.
Radebe aims to continue using his platform to inspire and advocate for acceptance, bridging connections across diverse communities. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of love, acceptance, and the arts.
