If you’ve been searching “Kenya Pleaser biography” since the Season 18 cast reveal, you’re not alone. Kenya Pleaser is the kind of performer who makes an instant impression: big presence, big heart, and the kind of crowd-connection you can’t fake. Official cast bios describe her as a Southern showstopper with “auntie energy and attitude,” and—yes—a celebrated Lizzo impersonator known for high-energy performances that get the room moving.
Kenya Pleaser quick facts
- Drag name: Kenya Pleaser
- Known for: Lizzo impersonation; high-energy, humorous performances
- From: South Carolina (official cast listing: Sumter, SC)
- Born and raised: Manning, South Carolina (per Kenya in a local interview)
- Drag Race: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18
- Instagram: @kenyapleaser
- Season 18 premiere: January 2, 2026 (MTV)
Early life in South Carolina: “Born and raised in Manning”
Kenya Pleaser’s story is deeply rooted in South Carolina. In a Dec. 2025 interview with ABC Columbia, Kenya said she was born and raised in Manning, South Carolina, and described sneaking out to clubs before drag became public knowledge back home.
That same interview captures something important about her journey: Kenya framed drag not just as entertainment, but as a way to grow into herself—especially after not feeling safe or comfortable in her body at home.
When Kenya started drag and what it unlocked for her
Kenya told ABC Columbia she’s been doing drag for about four years, and explained that drag gives her access to a level of confidence she doesn’t always feel day-to-day.
She also described Kenya Pleaser as a “larger-than-life character,” while emphasizing that the personality is real—just amplified when the wig goes on and the stage lights hit.
That’s a useful lens for understanding her appeal: Kenya’s not presenting a “totally different person” in drag. She’s presenting more of herself—louder, freer, and sharper.
What Kenya Pleaser is known for: Lizzo impersonation, “auntie energy,” and crowd work
Official Season 18 bios lean into what fans notice immediately:
- Southern charm paired with attitude
- Heart + humor (the kind that reads as warm, not mean)
- High-energy performances designed to get a crowd on their feet
And the Lizzo connection is not a throwaway detail. Multiple sources describe Kenya as a Lizzo impersonator, and even her own promotional booking materials highlight Lizzo as a specialty.
If you’re trying to picture a “Kenya Pleaser show,” think: big performance, big personality, and a performer who wants the audience with her, not just watching her.
Where Kenya performs: building a home scene in Columbia and beyond
When people Google “Kenya Pleaser hometown” or “Kenya Pleaser home bar,” they’re usually trying to place her in a real-world scene—not just a TV cast list.
In her ABC Columbia interview, Kenya said she’s a cast member at The Capital Club on Gervais Street in Columbia, working there regularly.
She’s also been featured in venues and events across the Carolinas, including high-profile send-off and viewing-party style celebrations tied to her Drag Race casting.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18: what we know from official bios
Kenya Pleaser entered Season 18 as part of a cast competing for:
- a $200,000 prize
- an official makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics
- the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar
Season 18 premiered January 2, 2026 on MTV, and early coverage positioned the season as a high-talent lineup with a “back to basics” energy.
Kenya’s official cast bio is also very clear about her brand: she’s here to show that “Southern charm, curves, and confidence” belong in the winner’s conversation.
What Kenya says she wants viewers to understand about her
Beyond the punchy one-liners in cast bios, Kenya’s own words reveal what she values:
1) Growth and ambition
She talked about being excited to travel and take her talents beyond local bar gigs—pushing herself on a national stage.
2) Kindness and humility (without losing the shade)
Kenya openly acknowledged drag’s “reading” culture, but said she tries to lead with kindness and stay grounded—sharing advice she learned from her “Aunt Hattie” about not getting “too much of a big head.”
That combination—warmth and bite—is exactly what Drag Race viewers tend to remember.
Kenya Pleaser age and real name: what’s publicly confirmed?
Kenya Pleaser’s real name isn’t consistently published in major official cast materials, and many performers prefer to keep that boundary—especially early in their TV run. (If she shares it publicly later, it’s best to cite Kenya directly.)
For age, Kenya told ABC Columbia in early December 2025 that she was turning 27 that week.
Kenya Pleaser on Instagram: where to follow her
If you want Kenya updates straight from the source, follow @kenyapleaser on Instagram, where she’s also tagged as a Season 18 queen.
Her IG bio has also been used to share booking representation details (typical for working entertainers).
FAQs people ask about Kenya Pleaser
Is Kenya Pleaser really a Lizzo impersonator?
Yes—her official cast bio calls her a “celebrated Lizzo impersonator,” and her booking materials highlight Lizzo impersonation as a specialty.
Where is Kenya Pleaser from?
The official cast listing associates her with Sumter, South Carolina, and Kenya has also said she was born and raised in Manning, South Carolina.
Where can I watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18?
Season 18 premiered on MTV on January 2, 2026.
Conclusion: why Kenya Pleaser is a queen worth watching
Kenya Pleaser doesn’t feel manufactured for TV. Her story reads like a real working performer who built confidence the hard way—on local stages, in crowded rooms, winning over audiences one night at a time. With her Southern-rooted charm, Lizzo-powered showmanship, and a clear point of view about kindness and humility, Kenya’s Season 18 run has all the ingredients fans latch onto quickly.
If you’re following Season 18, keep an eye on Kenya’s performances—and follow @kenyapleaser to see what she does with the spotlight after the Werk Room.
