Actress, singer and activist Peppermint has been in a word, busy! From a historic turn on Peacock’s The Traitors (go check out her words to her castmates during the reunion), to a brilliant co-starring role on the Netflix comedy Survival of the Thickest (returning soon for Season 2!), and judging a Vogue contest with Madonna during the Celebration tour,Peppermint is stepping back in front of the camera for a passion project of her own. recreating another of Janet Jackson’s visually legendary music videos, “Together Again”. After brilliant recreations of both “If” and “Rhythm Nation”, Peppermint’s almost frame for frame recreation is a true labor of love. Peppermint released the video for this legendary anthem to tie into both the iconic Miss Jackson’s birthday (May 16th) as well as to honor the recent Transgender HIV Testing Day (April 18th). You can watch the stunning video recreation (directed by Assaad Yacoub in full here)
For her part, Peppermint is clear on why this project was so close to her heart and important to make point perfect. Peppermint says “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.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.
Peppermint went on to say “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.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. Learning the choreography and shooting the video in less than 24 hours thanks to an awesome crew and director, Assad. I hope people enjoy this video knowing that it was made with love and that no animals were harmed in the filming of this music video, that’s because we couldn’t afford to get any animals.”
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