The rumors have been confirmed on the global stage. World of Wonder has officially greenlit Drag Race South Africa 2026, marking a historic expansion as the franchise’s first-ever African edition.
The announcement was dropped at the prestigious MIPCOM event in Cannes, confirming that the South African drag queen competition will premiere exclusively on WOW Presents Plus. With casting set to kick off in 2025, the race to crown Mzansi’s first Drag Superstar has officially begun.
Here is your essential RuPaul’s Drag Race SA Audition Update and what we know about the upcoming season.
A Historic Commission For wow Presents Plus
Drag Race South Africa is set to be the third global original series commissioned directly by WOW Presents Plus, following the massive success of Drag Race Mexico and Drag Race Thailand.
This move solidifies WOW Presents Plus Drag Race South Africa as a major priority for the streamer. World of Wonder revealed that the platform is currently operating in 190 territories and has seen explosive growth—recording a 31% increase in watch time and a 38% jump in subscribers in 2024 alone.
“It’s no secret that our mission is to see Drag Race in every continent and country across the world, so this is a huge step in making that a reality,” said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato at MIPCOM.
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Mzansi’s Drag Culture Takes Center Stage
South Africa’s arrival in the Drag Race Africa franchise news cycle is long overdue. The country boasts a rich and vibrant South African queer drag culture show scene that has been gaining mainstream traction.
Local fans have already been primed by the recent debut of the local reality series Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap on Showmax. Now, with the global juggernaut of Drag Race entering the market, the stakes have been raised significantly. The new series promises to introduce a “fresh line-up of queens” who will showcase their unique cultural influences and personal styles to a worldwide audience.
Casting Status: Invitation or Open Call?
The most burning topic is the Drag Race SA Casting call 2026. While World of Wonder initially announced that “casting begins in 2025,” industry insiders and “tea spillers” suggest a different approach for this debut season.
Reports indicate that production may be utilizing a “direct invite” or “invitation-only” process for Season 1, reaching out to established queens directly rather than opening a wide public net immediately. This is a common tactic for inaugural seasons to ensure a high-caliber cast that can carry the franchise.
However, this doesn’t mean you should give up hope. Drag Race South Africa 2026 Auditions could still see a public wave, or at least a waitlist for future seasons.
How To Audition For Drag Race South Africa (If Calls Open)
If you are hoping to apply for Drag Race South Africa (Season 1) or future cycles, preparation is key. Based on standard World of Wonder protocols, here is what South African drag performers audition 2026 hopefuls should have ready:
- A valid Passport: Rumors heavily suggest filming will take place internationally, likely at World of Wonder’s production hub in Colombia or Portugal. You cannot compete if you cannot travel.
- A Solid Social Media Presence: If casting is invitation-only, your Instagram and TikTok are your resume. Ensure your bio is clear, your booking info is visible, and your looks are high-quality.
- The “Tape”: Standard auditions usually require a 20-minute video showcasing 2-3 runway looks, a lip-sync performance, and an out-of-drag interview segment.
When will It air drag race south africa Season 1 in 2026?
While no official date has been dropped, the timeline suggests a premiere in 2026. With casting and pre-production taking place throughout 2025, fans can expect to stream WOW Presents Plus Drag Race South Africa early to mid-2026.
Speculation is also rife about the host. Will it be the original Drag Race winner and Cameroonian royalty, BeBe Zahara Benet? Or perhaps a local icon like Mami Wata? Whoever takes the seat, they have big shoes to fill.
Stay Ready
For now, the best advice for aspiring queens is to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Keep an eye on the official World of Wonder casting pages and local entertainment news.
The Drag Race SA Audition 2026 cycle might be shrouded in secrecy, but one thing is certain: Mzansi drag is about to take over the world.
FAQs: Drag Race SA Guide
When is the Drag Race South Africa release date?
The show has been officially greenlit for production. Casting takes place in 2025, with the series premiere expected in early 2026.
Where can I watch Drag Race South Africa?
The series will stream exclusively on WOW Presents Plus. It is the first African edition commissioned directly by World of Wonder for their global platform.
How do I apply for the Drag Race SA casting call?
Casting opens in 2025. Aspiring queens should follow World of Wonder’s social pages for the official application link. A valid passport is likely required for international filming.
Who is hosting Drag Race South Africa?
No official host has been announced yet. Fan speculation heavily favors BeBe Zahara Benet (the first-ever RuPaul’s Drag Race winner) or local Cape Town drag icons.
Is Drag Race South Africa on Showmax or DStv?
No. Unlike Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap (which is on Showmax), Drag Race SA is a World of Wonder original and will be available only on WOW Presents Plus initially.
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