Inside the World of Slay Queens: A Lifestyle That Divides South Africa

A new Showmax series explores the glamour, controversy, and cultural power behind one of the country’s most talked-about trends.

The term “slay queen” has become a powerful and polarizing part of South African pop culture. Initially used to describe fashionable women dominating social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it has grown into a label that represents an entire lifestyle. These women are known for their designer outfits, flawless hair, glamorous aesthetics, and their ability to attract attention and sometimes opportunity  through their presence both online and offline.

From Hashtag to the Big Screen

The phenomenon is now hitting television screens with the release of the original series Slay Queens on Showmax. Premiering on October 31, with new episodes every Friday, the show promises to peel back the glossy layers of the slay queen lifestyle. It aims to explore not just the glitz and luxury but also the personal stories, sacrifices, and cultural forces shaping this controversial space.

Glamour Meets Grit

The series takes a closer look at the women at the heart of this lifestyle and the “ballers”  wealthy men who often play a role in sustaining it. This ecosystem isn’t just about parties and filters; it’s an intricate blend of ambition, power, gender dynamics, and economic realities. The show invites viewers to confront the narratives behind the headlines.

The Cyan Boujee Effect

DJ and influencer Cyan Boujee stands out as one of the key figures featured in the series. Known for her bold personality and viral content, Boujee has built a massive following online. Her glamorous lifestyle attracts admiration but also sharp criticism. Recently, she faced backlash after promoting a Russian “fresh start” program later linked to human trafficking. She swiftly apologized and removed the content an incident that mirrors the high stakes of living publicly in this world.

The Nightlife Connection

Award-winning amapiano star Mr JazziQ offers viewers an inside look into the nightlife scene that fuels much of the slay queen culture. As the owner of Jozi’s popular nightclub “Vibes on Main,” he describes how these women shape entertainment trends, drive social energy, and indirectly influence the economy. In 2024, he was named the most-streamed South African artist among Gen Z listeners on Spotify  a testament to his cultural reach.

Lived Experience and Hard Truths

Author and media personality Jackie Phamotse — a self-proclaimed former slay queen  contributes a deeply personal perspective. Her bestselling book Bare delves into the emotional cost of maintaining the high life. Phamotse speaks candidly about the pressure to perform perfection online and the often lonely reality behind the luxury.

An Academic Lens on the Phenomenon

To broaden the conversation, anthropologist and author Lebo Masango brings academic insight through her book The Soft Life: Love, Choice and Modern Dating. She explores how economic pressure, gender dynamics, and modern romantic relationships shape the slay queen phenomenon. Her research highlights how transactional relationships are often rooted in broader societal challenges rather than simple stereotypes.

Voices from All Sides

The series doesn’t just focus on influencers and celebrities. It also includes perspectives from an Uber driver, a Sangoma, and a nightclub promoter all people whose lives intersect with slay queen culture in practical, everyday ways. Their stories paint a fuller picture of the social and economic ecosystem surrounding the trend.

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

A Story That Demands to Be Heard

Executive producer Vusi Zion says the goal of “Slay Queens” is to spark honest conversations. “This show holds up a mirror to a world we usually whisper about or judge from a distance,” he explains. “It’s time to listen to the voices of those living these realities the women, the men, and the communities involved.”

A Lifestyle That Reflects Society

While some see slay queens as symbols of modern empowerment, others criticize the lifestyle as superficial or exploitative. What’s undeniable is that the trend reflects deeper currents in South Africa’s social and economic life. Through personal stories and critical commentary, “Slay Queens” pushes viewers to rethink what lies beneath the surface of viral glamour.

watch:

About The Author