Asttina Mandella is a British drag queen and dancer known for her appearances on television, stage, and in music videos, showcasing a diverse range of dance styles and performance artistry. After winning the highly competitive first episode of the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2021, Asttina Mandella quickly garnered widespread recognition for her dynamic performance artistry. Her breakthrough on the series, announced in December 2020, saw her instantly coin the memorable catchphrase ‘Rude!’ and captivate audiences nationwide. Mandella’s ascent was built upon a solid foundation in the entertainment industry, originating from her extensive training across ballet, tap dance, jazz, voguing, hip-hop dance, waacking, and street dance.
This technical proficiency led her to work as a backup dancer for notable artists such as Hercules & Love Affair, The Pussycat Dolls, Little Mix, and Kanye West, establishing her talent well before her prominent drag career, which began in 2012. Following her celebrated run on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Asttina Mandella expanded her presence across various platforms. In 2021, she contributed to the single ‘A Little Bit of Love’ as part of The Cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Season 2. Her versatility was further demonstrated through appearances in prominent music videos, including Madison Beers ‘Baby’ in 2020 and Charli XCXs ‘Good Ones’ (Drag Performance Video) in 2021.
Her professional journey underscores her multifaceted appeal and enduring commitment to entertainment and social change.