Danish-Zambian Pop Sensation's Message to America: We Stand Together!
My Interview with Pop Star Thomas Buttenschøn
In honor of the upcoming release of “Doin’ My Drugs”, let’s take a look back at my interview with this marvel of a man:
8:47
pm PDT 06/20/2015
I had the opportunity
to interview the renowned Danish singer-songwriter Thomas Buttenschøn today
during his concert in the heart of Los Angeles.
He told me of his latest project designed to limit the scope of HIV/AIDS
around the world, through awareness, testing, and proper treatment. We met as he stepped onto the set of his
upcoming documentary. I asked him all
the standard questions, his favorite food (Sushi) and his influences (Family),
and took some time to try and understand the man behind the greatness.
Thomas was born in Zambia to a Danish man and
his native Zambian wife. His parents
were blessings to their community, performing humanitarian work for the people
of Zambia when they fell in love. Over
the course of the interview, I learned that Thomas was still a small child when
he contracting a mysterious disease and was relocated to Denmark. It was soon discovered this mystery ailment
was one of the first cases of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He recalled that many perished back then,
including his beloved parents. He
informed me that this is the personal trauma that gave him the impetus to
solidify his life's journey. He told me
that he wanted to show people of the world HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence in
the modern age, and that we all can live safe, normal lives together as long as
patients adopt the proper treatment regimen. We talked about his lovely family, his literal
beauty queen of a wife, and two adorably happy and healthy children, all of
whom are HIV free thanks to his diligent adherence to his regimen. He told me that his trip to the US was to
champion the idea that if we together we stand and support world health, we can
save countless lives and move toward general wellness. I was sure to let him know that the US stands
with him on his crusade.
Thomas Buttenschøn
reminds me of a modern day Bob Marley, letting his wailers sing out from the
delicate picks, plucks, and strums of his acoustic guitar. He is a man who, like is father, courageously
took the helm of activism and is seeking active work to heal the world. To see him in person is to experience the raw
spirit of a man on a mission, and his timing was no coincidence; his concert
was in honor of our National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day the following week. Buttenschøn is an
international thriller and intriguing individual, having survived the
devastation that HIV/AIDS brought to his homeland to eventually reach
stardom. His tale is so uniquely
beautiful that it is a true inspiration for anyone looking into the face of
seemingly impossible odds. He brought us a night alive with music, inspired by
hope for positive change, and charged with the influential tones of a soulful
soothsayer.
Until next time, this
is Ronnie Simon bringing you the latest in entertainment!
