"I once played black stripper in a play" - singer

Princess Akua Ohenewaa Asieanem of Kokobin popularly known as Stephanie Benson has admitted that she once played a black stripper named Josephine Baker in a play held in the United Kingdom.

Stephanie in an exclusive interview with Pulse.com.gh revealed that she had played the character back in the UK and had subsequently portrayed black female greats such as Diana Ross and Josephine Baker on stage.

Josephine Baker was an entertainer, activist and French resistance agent who was centred primarily in Europe. She died on April 12, 1975.

Speaking in rebuttal to a question raised about how the public perceives her and her families reaction to her latest video, she said.

“I knew they would be cool but I wanted to be sure. I played Josephine Baker, a black stripper in 1920 or 30’s so they (her family) know who I am and what I do. In London I portrayed Diana Ross, a black great on stage and when I am portraying I put all of me into it.”

Asked whether her latest music video “One More” featuring Samini had explicit scenes which were carried out in real life as many believed the pair were truly intimate in those close ups she said.

“Before they (family) came here we have a chatroom. The first person who came to me was my number two Natalia and she said mum you look so beautiful like a mermaid but those other bits I don’t watch because I thought daddy would be uncomfortable but daddy was watching with me and he wasn’t uncomfortable. He was very comfortable and he said sweetheart you look so good when are you coming home. I’ve been married to my husband for 21 years and I have never cheated on my husband. I’ve worked with big stars of this world but I have never been tempted to cheat unless one has a special voodoo.”

The Jazz performer also clarified the brouhaha about her latest video with Samini when people deemed it too raunchy for a 50-year-old.

“Did you see his willy? Did you see my ass? Yes, you did see my ass... It is not X-rated…kissing without tongues we are acting that shows I am a good actress. I have done my job right. It was just all beautiful and we are very respectable people…come on guys it’s a music video.”