QUEEN OF THE MONTH
Coco Jumbo
Talk about Sydney drag to anyone who is anyone, and without a doubt the name coco jumbo will come up. Coco has not only been a staple on the sydney scene, but has quintessential in helping it find its voice… and figure!
From a small town girl to a big time gal, coco has done it all! Local, international, tv, film, and where she is most at home… the stage! Always the life of the party, if there is one thing Miss Coco knows - it’s a good time!
We sat down and got an insight into the iconic Coco Jumbo!
Hey Coco! Thanks for making time to chat to us - You’re a staple in Sydney’s drag scene—how did Coco Jumbo come to life?
Coco came to me when I needed her most! I grew up in a small town surrounded by people with small town thoughts and I refused to let that be my future. I took a chance, dressed up in my mums shape wear and put on some makeup to compete in a local drag competition. I won that one, and a few other competitions up north before I was told Sydney had a spot and a place for me. I realised because of Drag I was now being celebrated for the things people had tormented me for all throughout my teenage years! So I moved to Sydney and never looked back!
Those outside of Sydney may know you best as a standout on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 1 - What was that like?
Rupaul’s Drag Race Feels Like a fever Dream! I didn’t even come close to winning but people around the world still know my name! I was taken to Sao Paulo, Brazil for World Pride with millions of people. Even just walking the streets in and even out of drag people recognised who I was. Not only do I have fans around the world but I now have Drag Race Sisters all over the world!
What is it like returning to the Sydney scene post Drag Race?
Coming back to the Sydney Scene I felt like a new woman but my sisters were quick to remind me that I was the same ol’ Jumbo. Remaining humble and continuing to be yourself after becoming a local celebrity is so important! Which is not the same for some of the other girls who have been on the same TV show who also didn’t win, but each to their own!
Sydney’s queer nightlife is always evolving, where do you think our scene is heading, and what do you want to see more of?
Sydneys Queer Nightlife is forever changing and evolving, Sydney is the party city of Australia so I’d like to see less laws and more patrons! This cost of living crisis is doing far too much and the taxes the government have put on alcohol have gone too far and done too little! Its time for cheaper rent and cheaper drinks. More late night venues and more pay for people who work in nightlife. #voteforme
You’ve done everything from clubs to TV to activism—what’s a dream gig you haven’t done yet but would love to?
I used to want to travel the world in my own one woman show with my sisters but the worlds a scary place at the moment so I’ll keep it simple and say I’d like to have my own show celebrating Sydney Drag at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras After Party. I’ll make sure the Queens are paid what they’re worth and thought of first unlike previous years!
What can people expect from a quintessential Coco performance?
You can expect to feel included and feel some type of emotion. Mummy’s getting old and I can’t dance like I used to but I’ve been in the game and worked in venues long enough to know how to create a MOMENT catered to you!
Who are your biggest inspirations, either inside or outside of drag?
My Inspirations in no particular order are and will always be Rupaul Latrice Royale, Juju bee, Ivy Leaguee, Rhuma Hazzet, Vybe, Sia Tequila, Eli Crawford, Carmen Geddit, Johnny Smith, Dillon Shaw, Dallas Dellaforce, Hannah Conda, Maxi Shield, Minnie Cooper, Charisma Belle, Natasha Knowles, Decoda Secret, Ashley Swift, Little X, Marie Claire, Tora Hyman, Vanity, Courtney Act, Mama Shirl, Vinnie Gardoosh, Penny Tration, Verushka Darling, Maude Boat, Bob Downe, Joyce Maynge, Cindy Pastel, Monique Kelly, Carlotta, Wyness Mongrel Bitch, Chelsea Bun, Sheila Blige, Tina Turnon, Mitzi Macintosh, Suzie St James, Polly Petrie and my biggest supporter my late Mother
What advice would you give to baby queens just starting out in the Sydney drag scene?
It all depends what you want from the drag scene if you want to work then pay your dues, earn your place! Let your performances speak for you! A wise queen once told me its not who you are or who you know it’s how you are to work with! If you want to be a fabulous social queen be fun be loud and never say no to a free drink!
aND FINALLY, Where can we find you?
You can find me live, loud and in full colour in my element at UNIVERSAL every Friday night and most Saturdays!
Follow me on instagram @_cocojumbo
For all Booking enquiries email Bookings@coco-jumbo.com.au next? You'll have to wait and see!
Catch Coco at Universal hosting Sanctuary in the Universal Superclub, and downstairs doing late night, crowd immersive spots every friday from 12 & 1am!