Celeb Secrets has always had a knack for discovering the stars of tomorrow, and we’re proud to say that Manny Pemberton has officially been added to our list of talent that’s set for a bright future.
The budding performer has always had a passion for the arts, as his early beginnings included portraying a young Michael Jackson at the young age of eleven. Fast forward years later, and Manny has found himself releasing songs along with talks of *hopefully* snagging the lead as MJ in MJ The Musical.
“I’m just a fun loving guy who loves to perform,” Manny tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive Q&A. “Michael Jackson is definitely the blueprint for my musical inspirations. I think BabyFace is one of the most prolific songwriters and producers, and I would definitely say he inspired me as a songwriter.”
Late last year, Manny returned to music with his uptempo ballad “We In The Moment,” giving music the breath of fresh air its needed thanks to soulful pop melodies and a nostalgic vibe. Showcasing Pemberton’s smooth vocals and killer harmonies, the song — according to the multi-hyphenate — is “an invitation to immerse yourself in the present, to let go of the past and future, and to be fully alive in the now.”
“I want people to be encouraged, never give up, and remember to think quality over quantity,” he says of his music.
Celeb Secrets sits down (virtually) with the star in the making to learn more about his musical beginnings, his latest single “We In The Moment” and what we can expect from his upcoming project. Keep scrolling for our full Q&A and don’t forget to let us know if you’re loving “We In The Moment” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can keep up with Manny by giving him a follow on Instagram and TikTok at @mannypemberton.
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Celeb Secrets: For those who haven’t heard of you just yet, who is Manny Pemberton?
Manny Pemberton: “I’m just a fun loving guy who loves to perform!”
CS: Can you tell us more about your musical beginnings and how you got to where you are today?
MP: “I started performing at the age of 11 as young Michael Jackson.”
CS: After listening to your music, we hear lots of blended sounds of soul and pop. Who are some of your inspirations and how did you land on finding your sound?
MP: “My inspirations in music is Michael Jackson, he’s definitely the blueprint. I think BabyFace is one of the most prolific songwriters and producers, I would definitely say he inspired me as a songwriter.”
CS: You have a new song out right now called “We In The Moment.” Can you tell us more about what the song is about and about the writing/recording process?
MP: “The song’s title, ‘We In The Moment’ is an invitation to immerse yourself in the present, to let go of the past and future, and to be fully alive in the now.”
CS: What are some of your favorite memories from working on the track and its music video?
MP: “The opportunity to create with Award Winning producer Eliot Slaughter; I learned a lot working with him and I look forward to future projects with him!”
CS: Is “We In The Moment” a taste of what we can expect from your music in the future?
MP: “Most Definitely!”
CS: In addition to releasing music, we know that you are an actor. Can you tell us more about your acting career and what we can expect from you with future projects?
MP: “It’s nothing concrete now, but I am hoping to break more aggressively into that field this year. Currently I am being considered for the lead role of MJ in ‘MJ The Musical.'”
CS: What’s your dream role?
MP: “Hopefully a musical!”
CS: Do you have any goals you’d like to achieve in 2024?
MP: “My goal is to finish my album this year and as stated earlier, venture into more movie productions. Who knows — maybe even Broadway.”
CS: What’s the overall message you’d like to convey to your fans with your music and other projects?
MP: “To be encouraged, never give up, and remember to think Quality over quantity.”
CS: Since we are Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets (fun facts) about yourself and your music that we wouldn’t know just by listening to it and following you on social media?
MP: “I am the great grandson of pioneer movie actor Emmett ‘Babe’ Wallace who co-starred opposite Lena Horne and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson in the classic movie ‘Stormy Weather.'”
*Quotes have been condensed and edited for clarity.
