Simply The Best
I was busy writing an essay on a different topic when I got the news that Her Majesty Queen Tina Turner had passed away and I knew it would be remiss of me if I didn’t pen this.
To say my heart broke when I heard the news would be an understatement. Anyone who knows me well, will know how much Tina Turners artistry means to me. I have loved Tina Turner ever since I first heard her music coming from my father’s music room. I have a distinct memory of sneaking yoghurt out of the fridge while Tina’s “Private Dancer” was barreling down from the music room upstairs. There is also a memory of me sneaking into the Tv room to watch “what’s love got do with it” on SABC 2, I also remember “The best” was used in a commercial on TV and I couldn’t wait for that ad to come on- I don’t remember the product being advertised but I remember that song . Tina has always been there.
My copy of her book “I, Tina” is being held together by a thought and prayer because I’ve read it so many times. One Easter I even told my dad instead of easter eggs I wanted the Tina Turner ‘Wildest Dreams’ tour DVD- BEST EASTER EVER- I watched and watched and watched that DVD mimicking her every move relishing in the sound of that almighty voice , her almost primal energy bursting through the screen and seeping in my veins. “I want to always feel this electricity in me “I thought. A few years later in my final year of high school, we had a show and I successfully convinced my friends to be my back up dancers and I created a little Tina Turner tribute act-complete with Tina wig and leather skirt, since that night I have performed Tina’s music numerous times and EVERY SINGLE TIME I have an out of out body experience, its like I’ve summoned her energy and I just allow it to consume me and let it take over my being. Its electric and magic...I feel at my most powerful.
It is not a surprise that the word “powerful” springs to mind when talking about Tina Turner because she fully embodied that word. Her life story is a tale of overcoming and surviving the darkest hour and not allowing it to be your end narrative. Her generosity of spirit, sharing her music and her light, her determination and self-belief was powerful and it was awe inspiring.
I’ve had so many friends message me to say “you were the first person I thought of when I heard” and that for me is so humbling that little old me could somehow come to mind when my friends hear the name Tina Turner- This powerhouse!
How blessed we were to live in the time of Tina Turner. Performing her music will forever be an honor for me. I hope to be belting “River Deep, Mountain High” and losing myself in ‘Proud Mary’ for many years to come.
Thank you for the music my Queen! You were Simply the best!
May Choirs of angels sing thee to thy rest.
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