Big Freedia twerks way to stardom in New Orleans

Chevel Johnson, Associated Press

Saturday, April 30, 2016 | 12:58 p.m.

Talk about your ups and downs.

It's been a tumultuous year for New Orleans bounce artist Big Freedia: She was caught up in a housing scandal and faces prison, performed on Beyonce's epic song "Formation" and in the accompanying video, made headlines for being banned for bringing twerking — her signature style of overtly sexual dance — to a Mississippi club and continues to have one of the highest rated reality shows on digital cable network Fuse.

And on Saturday, she returns to the Congo Square Stage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where her audiences have grown since her first appearance five years ago.

"I could not believe the massive amount of people who came out and supported me last year," Freedia told The Associated Press. "I can't wait for Saturday."

From back-up dancer for Katey Red, the first gay bounce rap artist, to now running her own stage, Big Freedia said she still can't believe her career has thrived as much as it has.

"I've been steadily working my ass off," Freedia said of her accomplishments. "It's taken me 15 years to get here. When I decided this was gonna be my full time career, I went all in."

Raised in New Orleans' Central City neighborhood, Big Freedia — who was born Freddie Ross Jr. — was struck by the bounce bug in the early 1990s after hearing "Where Dey At" by MC T Tucker. After working with Katey Red, Freedia said she knew the bounce style of music was her calling.

That music style caught the attention of Beyonce who asked her to participate on "Formation."

"Oh my God! The experience was so amazing. She is so sweet and genuine and real. I love her for thinking of me," Freedia said. "I was a fan of hers way before this and always dreamed of and wished for something like this. It was a dream came true."

Her call-and-response style showcased during her sets, along with the Big Freedia Shakers, her group of dancers known for gyrating their backsides to a fast-paced, rhythmic beat — known as twerking — have become a must-see act at Jazz Fest.

"We do fun music," Freedia said. "Everyone can relate to it. I look to engage my fans. My voice is a voice of command. They love it and I love them."

In addition to performing, Freedia said she particularly enjoys the food.

"I go to Jazz Fest to eat. I really enjoy tasting everyone's wonderful dishes," she said.

Something that might not be well-known about Freedia is that she considers herself a foodie.

"I have a passion for cooking," she said. "When I come off tour, I cook every day. I don't like going out to eat. I'd much rather go in my kitchen and nourish the food for the soul."

Although she doesn't have a signature dish, she said she loves cabbage and red beans, stuffed peppers, gumbo and fried chicken. Some of her cooking has been showcased at festivals like the BUKU Music + Art Project and at pop-up restaurants in the city.

Those experiences will be among the scenes featured in the new season of her show, "Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce," premiering June 8.

She's also working on a cookbook and considering going to culinary school to get the industry knowledge she's missing. "I cook from the soul and measure with my eye. I throw in this or that as I go but I want to be a certified chef," she said.

Meanwhile, as she basks in all the positive things going on in her life, Freedia acknowledges a shadow on the horizon.

In March, the entertainer pleaded guilty to theft of government funds linked to housing assistance she received from 2009 through 2014. The theft amounted to more than $34,000.

The performer faces up to 10 years in prison, but prosecutors are expected to seek a lighter penalty at an Aug. 11 sentencing hearing.

When the charges were announced, Freedia said the infraction was "an oversight" for which she takes full responsibility. She has agreed to make restitution.