The London drag star talks finding peace and dealing with grief in Ibiza
Raven Mandella’s in Ibiza! Was there ever a more glitter cannon-inducing phrase than that? Speaking of glitter, she’s out there hosting Glitterbox, a gorgeously euphoric club night for everyone.
If you haven’t heard of Raven, she’s a drag powerhouse, strutting around side streets from Paris to Phuket – she hosts, she DJs, she’s dances, and she’s a great person to boot.
We caught up with her by the marina, as you do babes, and she told us all about her summer of love and langoustines on the most GLAMOROUS island in the world. The flossy, flossy.
Hey Raven! What’s the best thing about Ibiza?
The best thing about Ibiza is IBIZA! This island is literally magical! It has such a beautiful and powerful energy. It’s something I’ve truly embraced since moving to the island at the end of May. As most people know, the last three years have been probably the hardest of my life! I was sent to prison, served the time and then got out and continued my career as a drag artist, DJ, host and performer! It was all going well until my heart was broken once again, with the sudden death of my beautiful Nana Violet! She was the love of my life. I thought that was it for me. And then I got the chance to move out here at such a vital moment in my life. This island is allowing me to build energy on top of my broken heart. And rise up ONCE AGAIN, stronger than ever before! And for that I will be forever thankful to Ibiza.
What’s been your wildest moment?
There have been too many to pinpoint just one! Partying in VIP with Premier League football players and prostitutes! And getting the football player’s number! That was fab!
What are the MEN like?
THE MEEEEENNN! MMMMM! Too many! All hot as hell! And from all corners of the globe! I have had my experiences with the same sex, as we all do. You would be gagged at the amount of sausage out here to be eaten! But this bitch has bigger things to be getting on with. World Domination is no easy feat. Gotta focus most of my energies into myself, and building my heart, mind and soul in preparation for my ultimate goal – becoming the Yorkshire Beyoncé! Haha BUT the men are HOT nonetheless! Ya thirsty bitches.
Have you dropped a drink in the pool yet?
No I have not! I know many may not believe it! But I do have class, darlings! Plus the pool which you speak of is my own, and you never shit on your own doorstep! That’s what I was taught! I told you “CLAAAASSS””
Have you dropped anything else?
I’ve dropped a few Death Drops! That’s the only Dropping I care to speak of in such a public forum! Thank you very much!
Speaking of dropping, we’ve heard you’re dropping a music video! Tell us about that
I’m so excited about this one! I’ve just finished filming the brand new video for Purple Disco Machines – Dished! Which is currently number 1 on Radio 1! The whole music video is literally about me! Villas, champagne, swimming pools, make up, heels and partying at Glitterbox at Hï Ibiza! The word on the street is that it’s going to be massive! I’m so happy, grateful and excited about it. When my Nana Violet crossed over, everything in life became dull and blurry. As if all the life and colour had been sucked out of my soul! But the only thing that I could see more vibrant than anything else was the colour purple! I knew at that moment that it was my nana telling me “I’m here” and that she always will be – in the colour purple. I know me being a part of The “Purple” Disco Machines brand new video is no coincidence! It’s my Nana!
Ah amazing! So you’re in Ibiza until October…what are you gonna get up to for the next two months?
The next couple of months are going to be the biggest of the season. This is the time when the island is hottest, wildest and most full on! Glitterbox each week gets bigger and better.
Tell us about Glitterbox.
I’m out here working as Brand Ambassador for the whole Glitterbox brand, which is worldwide! It’s a disco and house music party at the brand new super club HÏ IBIZA! Which stands exactly where the LEGENDARY and ICONIC Space Ibiza used to be! Glitterbox is about love togetherness, and of course the music.
Finally…what do you have planned for your return to London?
The return of the Queen shall soon be upon the streets of London! The Slag of Drag will be back! Bigger and stronger than ever before! I have all kinds of stuff planned. Of course I shall be returning to all my regular DJ and performing gigs at Popcorn @ Heaven. I’ll be back weekly DJing at Village Soho. And Mother Mandella shall also be back at PHAT CLUB, at her new home KU BAR! But that’s just the beginning! I’m planning on creating some brand new full productions – full shows. Which is something I’ve always wanted to do. And I’m in talks about doing some brand new TV stuff, as well as creating my own music. So the future is looking bright and purple for me. The bitch shall be back soon! Not too soon! But SOON!!!
For more info on Glitterbox, head to glitterboxibiza.com. Keep track of Raven’s antics on Instagram @raven_mandella
