The Magic Of Boney M
- 14 Mar 2016
- sharanya nandakishore
- Features
Maizie Williams's ia an exceptional personality. Her energy is infectious as she is ready with a amile and her openness makes it easy to for me to forget that ia am interviewing a global phenomenon. She is delighted to be in Kochi and is soaking in the warmth of the sun the people. Performing throughout the world, Maizie is pumped up about the show and her years sit very lightly on her. He skin is flawless and the white top accentuates her toned hands.
Boney M is not just a music band but a global phenomenon. What has this issue success meant for you?
It is a feeling that you can't explain. At the begining you just want do things. you don't imagine this success. Then you go ahead and have fun. Boney M didi that. We did a lot of gigs and worked really hard. We were young and full of energy. We were always on the road touring. It is wonderful and a blessing that this is the 20th century and i'm still hard at it.
Are the performances as action packed as they usedto be?
Yes. there is still the same energy in delivering the hits. Dutch band mai Tai opens the show and the magic of Boney M closes it.
You have always mentioned that Boney M was family?
We motivated each and got the best out of each other. That's how we lasted for so long. When Bobby was asked about the girls he said that we looked after him. I was his liltle sister, making sure he always ate and kept healthy. Marcie was the mother. Liz always motivated us to pray and read the bible.
The name Boney m came from a Aussie detective series. Have you seen it?
Yes. Boney was a native Australian detective who had a skeleton painted on his body with chalk. he used to have a characteristic dance. Coincidently when we found Bobby, he was exactly like Boney, even the dancing. The M added the finishing touch of the name. We later realized thet the M was drawn with four strokes, representing four members. Boney means to penetrate to the bone. So let's just say that Boney M is the penetrating 4.
ABBA was you biggest competition. How did they inspire you?
They are so lovely. The billbords were between them and us. it is like 'Oh, here they are again.' (Maizie laughs). It was really a privilege to be challenged by such a famous group with amazing talent. it meant that we are on another level. The first time we met , It was like we already knew each other and started off with the big bear hugs.
Where do you find the energy, even today?
I try take to care of myself and lead a haelthy life. My inspiration was my grandmother who never had any serious illness and lived to be 97! I eat only eat natuaral food and do kick boxing. i have done an excercise video and come out with a book on natuaral food and habit. the joke was that what everyoen eats, Maizie would put in the bath or on her face. During the heydays, the band tried to pace ouselves so that we didn't burn out. We had a lot of work coming at us. So whenever we got time we relaxed and got rejuvenated for the next session. You have to make the time. Don't think too much , Just do it.
Boney M was about bling, shine, and big hair. So your current show has the same?
Image and styling are very important. We had two designers then. one of them styled the music videos and took care that it related to the music and was original. The other travelled with us and knew each of us so well that she would always pick out the right clothes even if we were not there. Boney M has always carried a strong image nd it will be wrong not to continue that. We have the hairstyles, the costumesand the same energy for the show here.
What do you have to say for women these days?
There are lots of women nowadays who are really strong. They find that inner strength. after all, its do or die, isn't it. If you don't find that inner strength and go for what you want to do in life, then its not a life. your life is over really and truly. I tell women, be strong and belive in yourself. Keep pushing on and let no one push you aside and make youthink that you shouldn't 'be' because you are a female. God didn't tell you that's the way he wanted it for you, it is mankind telling you that . So put your faith in God, trust yourself and stay strong in what you believe in. Go for your goals and it will pay off in the end. There are many people who will support you and that's important to know.
Text : Maria John
