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Published on January 23rd, 2019 | by Landon Buford

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Simonna on Her Love of Music and Standing Up for Michael Jackson

Singer and actress Simonna [https://www.instagram.com/therealsimonna/] who recently spoke with me about her support of Rita Ora has now put her backing behind the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In this article, I talk with her about her burgeoning career and involvement in the upcoming documentary, “Mirroring Michael Jackson.”

Photo Credit-Brian Lau Xian Yang

You will be featured in the upcoming documentary honoring Michael Jackson entitled “Mirroring Michael Jackson.” Can you talk about how this all came about?

The discussion about the project started when an amazing producer I’m working with, Kira Madallo Sesay, discover that I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson when she saw a tweet where I defended him.

The tweet went viral and I’ve since received hundreds of messages from Michael Jackson fans thanking me for the support and for defending their idol. I also received a message from Michael’s nephew, Taj Jackson, who thanked me for supporting his uncle.

The point is that I couldn’t stay quiet. I had to say something to defend him. Michael Jackson was and always will be one of my biggest inspirations. I’ve been looking up to him my entire life, ever since the very first day I stood up on a stage and sang at age 6. I admire his hard work, his discipline, his passion for music, his love of all mankind, his kind heart and selfless generosity. He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of “most charities supported by a pop star.” He donated $400 million to charities. He’s is an example for every artist on how their fame can be used to help make the world a better place.

His words have helped me to stay strong and believe in myself too. Like, “Always believe in yourself. No matter who’s around you being negative or thrusting negative energy at you, totally block it off. Because whatever you believe, you become.” And as a devoted Christian, Michael is a role model to me because he always forgave people even when they attacked him or spread lies about him. He said, “…I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to.”

Michael’s wise words have helped me to stay motivated when I was going through hard times and made me believe in myself even when I wanted to give up. He’s one of the reasons I became a performer so young and why I am still on the stage right now. As a singer and pop artist, I see it as my responsibility to stand up and defend his honor.

 What is it like to be working with director Christopher Broughton and producer Kira Madallo Sesay?

They both love Michael Jackson and feel it is very important to honor him and protect his legacy. They are such honest, extremely hard working, motivated and inspirational people. Christopher is an ordained Christian minister, so it’s very inspiring. And when I met Kira, I couldn’t believe good people like her still existed in the industry. She is one of the most kind-hearted, talented, and loyal people I have ever met. Kira is also a great role model and mentors to me as a female businesswoman and film producer. She cares about giving back. It’s very rare these days in a business filled with questionable and selfish intentions.

The entertainment business is so difficult nowadays because so many people are being pulled to the bad side. Less and less people care about doing the right thing, making meaningful movies to make the world a better place. So many want to make quick, dirty money on projects that sell, sex, lies, and scandals, instead of spreading love, truth and goodness. This is why I am so happy to be a part of this tribute documentary honoring MJ’s legacy. We lost Michael Jackson too soon. I cried for 5 days straight when he passed. I believe that we should let him rest in peace and remember all the good things he has done, all the people he has helped, his wonderful charity work, his unbelievable music. There are so many great things we should remember and honor MJ for. I wish there were more love and less hate in the world.

 Can you talk about your part in the documentary?

The film is a celebration of the King of Pop, which showcases the greatest Michael Jackson tribute artists of all time. The movie is being made in loving memory of him for the 10th anniversary of his passing. So, to honor him, I will be doing an original song for the soundtrack and a music video featuring some of the MJ tribute artists. As such an MJ fan, it’s an honor for me to be a part of such an amazing project.

How did Jackson inspire you as an artist?

Ever since I was very young, my family has always provided me with his music, movies, books, and merchandise for the holidays or birthdays. He’s inspired and influenced me in many ways and for many years. I look up to him as a leader.

Photo Credit – Simonna

You will also be featured on the official soundtrack for the documentary. Can you tell some of the emotions you felt when first heard the news?

When I got this amazing offer from the movie producer, I simply couldn’t believe it. My head was spinning, I felt a little like I was dreaming. I was jumping, screaming and crying at the same time. That amazing feeling when your dream is becoming a reality is very hard to explain. I’ve been such a fan, and now I can do something about it. Through this documentary, I can honor and celebrate him. I’d read the email with this offer to join the documentary about 30 times when I finally realized that I was sitting in shock for 30 minutes and I hadn’t even replied yet. I instantly sent a reply – email said, “Yes, yes, yes.” I am so thankful to the producer Kira Madallo Sesay and director Christopher Broughton for including me in this celebration of Michael.

What it is like working with Jackson Bass player of ten years Alex Al?

I just recently joined the team, so I’ve not met Alex yet, but I will soon. I am honored to be working with all the talented musicians on this project. Although I cannot reveal all the names yet, there are more incredible music legends who will be joining this film and will be announced soon. We have the best team, most talented musicians, a skilled director and the best producer putting their powers together to honor the legendary King of Pop.

 You and Michael Jackson both have a passion for protecting animals. Why is this so important to you and when did this passion start?

Michael and I have a lot in common. He didn’t eat red meat, he was a big animal lover whose diet was mainly vegetarian. And he also spent his entire life working on his career, just like me. I love his quotes about animals. One of my favorites is, “I love animals because all they really want from you is love. Too bad that’s even too much to ask for from some people.” Michael could not even hurt bees or spiders! His dancers still talk about how he cried when a dancer killed a bee while they were on tour. He was so good to everyone; he loved every single living creature, just like I do. He was a kind, generous, forgiving, human being and an incredibly talented artist. He should be remembered for that. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of “Mirroring Michael Jackson.”


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About the Author

Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.


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