Tia Kofi shares important message as she wins Breakthrough Award: ‘Diversity and representation on screen is so important’
The singer and drag queen was presented with the award by H from Steps and Mylene Klass at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, at the Roundhouse in London
By Alim Kheraj
Condragulations to the reigning Queen of the Mothertucking World, Tia Kofi, as she has won the Breakthrough Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar.
After being presented the award by Ian “H” Watkins from Steps and Mylene Klass on stage tonight (Wednesday 9 October 2024), the singer and drag queen said: “I just won an award at a ceremony where Elton John and Lulu won awards. That’s normal! Thank you very much.
“I want to say a huge thank you to Simon Jones PR, who is the Abbey Lee Miller to my Jojo Siwa. I am the first person of colour to win a UK crown, which is crazy, and diversity and representation on screen is so important. It’s so important for us to be able to watch reality TV and see ourselves reflected and represented, but that also has to apply behind the scenes. That is the only way our stories are going to be authentically told.
“I just wanted to leave you with my most important thought – my entire career up to this point has been one huge rise to get me in Doctor Who, so if anyone has any connections, I have a headshot on my table!”
Tia’s was the fourth award to be handed out during the night’s glittering ceremony, which saw musical legendy Elton John named the recipient of the Legacy Award and pop icon Lulu officially titled Honorary Gay at the annual event.
“There are only a handful of people from Drag Race who have won awards from Attitude” – Tia Kofi
In an interview in the latest issue of Attitude – out now – the ‘Outside In’ hitmaker expressed her delight at winning the Breakthrough Award.
“I was super excited because there are only a handful of people from Drag Race who have won awards from Attitude,” she said.
She added: “To win something that is more about popping yourself into the zeitgeist… I was very grateful.”
Tia also spoke about her rising music career and how, with her debut album Read My Lips, she differentiated herself from typical drag queen music.
“I think if you listen to the songs, there is a distinction,” she said. “Like, no shade to anyone who wants to do it, but I’m not sort of doing that talk-y sing-y pseudo rap verse about being from New York and something about snatching a crown. I am working with people who are serious about it.”
Read Tia’s full interview in the Attitude Awards issue, out now, featuring cover stars Elton John, Lulu, The Blessed Madonna, Mawaan Rizwan and Eurovision winner Nemo. Or check out the Attitude app.