Headlining the TikTok float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on March 5 will be Australian pop sensation Wafia, who has not returned to Australia from Los Angelies since before the start of the pandemic.
Iraqi-Syrian Wafia Al-Rikabi identifies as queer, and will perform her hit song ‘I’m Good’, which has featured as a pride anthem in over 44 thousand TikTok videos, and streamed over 36.8 million times on Spotify.
A lineup of LGBTQ+ TikTok creators will be taking the stage alongside Wafia, including Nat Alise, a bisexual single mum, Rudy and Hannah behind the account @rainbowhistoryclass, and comedian from South Western Sydney, Carla from Bankstown.
Wafia has expressed her excitement to be part of her first Mardi Gras, “It’s such an honour and a privilege to be able to perform as part of such a special night” the singer said.
“It feels amazing for my song ‘I’m Good’ to have been embraced by the queer community, especially at home. What a way to kick things off, I can’t wait” Wafia said.
TikTok will also be giving people around the world access to the event, and are hosting a competition for the creators of the most creative videos under the hashtag #MardiGras to win double passes to see the Sydney parade.
“TikTok champions a diverse and inclusive community every day, we’re proud to one again be partnering with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, showcasing our ongoing commitment to elevating LGBTQ+ voices and providing an open, inclusive platform” General Manager of TikTok AUNZ, Lee Hunter said.
Australians are being encouraged to tune in to the pride of the event via the #MardiGras Hub, where there will be a list of local LGBTQ+ creators to follow, and a playlist of pride anthems from artists like G Flip, Kylie Minogue and Troye Sivan.
The Mardi Gras main event will be held in-person and streamed on TikTok on March 5 from 7pm.