To celebrate the iconic Janet Jackson‘s birthday and in honor of Transgender HIV Testing Day, the one-and-only Peppermint has released a breathtaking tribute video to Jackson’s deeply personal “Together Again.”
Peppermint, the multi-talented actress, dancer, singer, activist and GLAAD board member, wanted to honor the trailblazing artist who has served as an inspiration to her throughout her career. The music video is described as “a labor of love,” as Peppermint re-created Jackson’s original video almost frame-for-frame with costuming, dancers and all.
While this is Peppermint’s third tribute video to her all-time favorite artist, “Together Again” held extra special significance. The song, originally release in 1997, was written by Jackson as a tribute to a friend who had recently died of AIDS as well as AIDS victims and their families worldwide.
“When “Together Again” came out I remember being captivated by the colors, the costumes, the choreography and the setting. Later, I learned about the inspiration of the song and the message and that despite sadness and loss, we will be reunited with the people we love and the people who loved us. Janet talks about a friend who had died of AIDS and wanted to shine a light on communities impacted by AIDS/HIV and even donating proceeds to AIDS charities,” Peppermint explains.
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“It’s also not lost on me that the video takes place in a sort of dream version of Africa which continues to be disproportionately affected by AIDS/HIV due to lack of resources, funding and attention. This music video shows all types of people from all demographics connecting with each other, the land and the animals, the original music video even featured elephants and giraffes from Michael Jackson’s personal Zoo,” she continues. “It’s important for me to use my platform to bring attention to communities that are still disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States including communities of color, black women and black Trans women specifically.”
Peppermint’s previous tribute videos include “Rhythm Nation” and “If.” “I’ve always been personally inspired by Janet Jackson and her artistry. Paying tribute is tough enough; recreating the videos with a fraction of resources was also difficult. Where we lacked in resources we overflowed in love,” Peppermint says.
This is just one of the triple-threat’s countless recent endeavors. After appearing as the first openly trans cast member on on the hugely popular Peacock series The Traitors, Peppermint also had the opportunity to appear on stage with Madonna on her Celebration Tour.
Fans should stay on the lookout for Peppermint in her upcoming role in Michelle Buteau’s Netflix series, Survival of The Thickest.