Nikas Safronov revealed unknown details of Tina Turner’s visit to Russia: “I suffered”

“I had a cold and a high temperature”

The world says goodbye to Tina Turner: the singer has died at the age of 84. Grieves because of the departure of the star and the artist Nikas Safronov. During Turner’s visit to Moscow, he spoke with the artist. In a conversation with MK correspondents, the artist revealed unknown details of her visit to the capital.

“In 1996, Zhenya Boldin, together with Nadia Solovieva, brought Tina to Moscow,” Nikas recalls. – It was an incredible event for the country. Turner gave three concerts and all tickets for them were sold out in just a matter of hours. I was a longtime admirer of Tina and the moment I heard that she was coming, I had the idea to paint her portrait. I had already been friends with Zhenya for several years and asked him to introduce me to Tina. When he introduced me to this great singer, I asked her to make a pencil sketch. Tina agreed. I grabbed a paper, a pencil and, eagerly peering into her features, began to make sketches.

– What was Tina in communication with?

She is very simple, modest and sentimental. Tina immediately told me that she would like a small portrait, since she does not have much space in the house where she would like to hang it. I remember that Tina, while I was writing it, complained to me of a cold. She worked her first concert in Moscow with a temperature of under 40 – and brilliantly performed all her songs.

What else were you talking about?

– I sincerely praised her hit – the main musical theme of the film about agent 007 James Bond “Golden Eye”. But he admitted that I like Sean Connery more in the role of Bond than Pierce Brosnan. She said that she also liked Connery in Bond. I remember I also told her an anecdote, which she liked very much and brought out a radiant smile from her.

– Tell us too!

One man turns to God: “Lord, what is a million years for you? Second?” From above, the Lord says: “Yes, a second.” “God, what is a million dollars to you? A penny? “Yes, penny.” “God, give me that penny.” “Of course, wait a second,” he replies.

Tina laughed when she heard the joke. And then she switched to a philosophical way – she began to think that it only seems from the outside that rich people get money easily. But in fact, she worked without rest for many years before she earned her million dollars.

Are you satisfied with the portrait?

— During the meeting with Tina, I made a pencil sketch. And on the same day, like a madman, he began to paint a portrait of Tina in oil. I decided to write it against the backdrop of Moscow. I did it quickly, because I needed to have time to hand it over before Turner left. I did everything. I warned Tina that the portrait was still damp. She smiled and said she would drive him carefully. She was satisfied with the portrait… It is a pity that she left us. But she lived a decent life. An artist with a capital letter, who deserved her recognition – she was not only talented, but also a great workaholic.