Unpacking ‘Slay Queens’: inside South Africa’s most controversial lifestyle

IF YOU'VE been hearing the term “slay queen” tossed around on TikTok, Instagram, or local chat shows, here's the lowdown.

- BERNELEE VOLLMER

DJ AND influencer Cyan Boujee opens up about life in the spotlight and what it really takes to maintain her status in Slay Queens. | X

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The term originally emerged in popular culture to describe women who use fashion, social media and charm to navigate the social and economic landscape, often flaunting designer clothes, hairstyles and lifestyles to make an impact. You know, slaying!

Now, Showmax brings this phenomenon to the screen. The original series Slay Queens, premiering on October 31 with new episodes every Friday, dives deep into the lives behind the label.

It explores the glamour, ambition and grit of slay queens themselves, alongside the men who orbit this world.

Ballers, as they’re sassy-ly known, give audiences a full picture of the social, cultural and economic ecosystem that fuels this lifestyle.

DJ and influencer Cyan Boujee is one of the standout figures in Slay Queens. Known for her unapologetic personality and viral social media moments, Boujee has amassed a significant following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.