She call herself a princess, but spends as much time with angels as she does with royalty (summer holidays notwithstanding). Italian-born Princess Bee, aka Benedetta Paravia, splits her time between her children’s charity ANGELS (she’s currently working with the Al Amal Orphanage in Gaza) and writing and recording her own songs, all with a social commentary, “sometimes humoristic and sardonic, sometimes romantic, other time provocative”. Her latest single, Loving Heart, is a romantic r’n’b track.
You have a connection to the UAE and do a lot of humanitarian work. Tell us about that.
I was living five months every year for seven years in the UAE. Then in 2008 I founded, with the support of my father, the not for profit ANGELS. In referring to the objectives set out in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, ANGELS works to provide treatment in Italy for sick children coming from war zones. The Foundation is dedicated to the memory of all the young victims of war. The honorary President of ANGELS is Princess Al Johara Al Saud, I’m currently on vacation with her.
Tell us how your stage name came about?
My mother came from a very ancient royal family and ever since I was a child everyone called me princess. I chose Bee as bees are very useful for the environment and also very sensitive. Plus everything they produce is good, from honey to wax.
What’s your most princess-y quality?
My family, God blessed me with two amazing parents that everybody love, they help many people and they are extremely generous.
Why do you want to promote your music here rather than in Italy?
My production promotes my music in every country my fans come from. My fan club has supporters from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and other Middle Eastern countries. This year I decided to sing in Italian as well, so I will promote my music in Italy starting from October.
Describe your music.
My music is simply how I am, regarding the lyrics: sometimes humoristic and sardonic, sometimes romantic, other times provocative. I’m the first songwriter who has received the patronage of Unesco [for her song ‘Angels’], who considered my song of fundamental importance for peace and solidarity between populations.
Tell us about the new single — you’ve said it’s a love song that is different from your other work. How is it different?
Because ‘Loving Heart’ is a romantic r’n’b song, while ‘Touch My Skin’ is dance and is a provocative allegory about the corrupted part of society. Some people didn’t understand the allegory and judged my work. You can see the level of your success from your haters. If you have not only supporters but also haters, you’ve succeeded!
What’s the progress on your single, Emirates?
We have already done the music production, the song is very nice and touched lots of hearts. Some of my UAE friends have already listened to it and they are enthusiastic.
Why did you decide to record a single about the UAE? What does it say?
I did it for the young people of the country and as a tribute to the UAE because I spent a great time there and three of my best friends are from the Emirates.
You’ve also recorded videos for Loving Heart, Touch My skin, Shock Me and Angels. Was that enjoyable?
Every video gave me nice and happy memories especially because I personally decide the cast and crew, so I’m surrounded only by nice people.
Which other musician’s career inspires you?
I like sacred monsters like Michael Jackson, Elton John, George Michael; this kind of music career is difficult today as the music world is evolving so fast and discography is totally changed now with the advent of the internet and iTunes.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
My foundation ANGELS will be an NGO (non-governmental organisation) this year so I see myself building schools, hospitals and other structures in countries like Libya, Syria and Africa. I’m currently renewing the Al Amal Orphanage in Gaza (www.loveangels.it).
