Miriam Christine: ‘Life throws everything at you... what matters most is how you deal with it all’

She took Malta to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1996 with ‘In A Woman’s Heart’, where she earned a respectable tenth place, and is today one of Malta’s best known rhythm and blues singers. Miriam Christine Borg was born in Santo Antônio do Descoberto in Goiás, Brazil but was raised on the Mediterranean island of Gozo

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I usually have about ten minutes of quiet me time in the kitchen where I drink a large glass of water with lemon juice and read.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Do not let other people’s judgement of yourself cloud your own beliefs and doubt your own strength.

What do you never leave the house without?

Sadly, I have to admit it’s my mobile phone. I do absolutely everything on it, even read my books nowadays, so I feel lost without it.

Pick three words that describe yourself:

Sensitive, peaceful and quite stubborn.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My children. I have done quite a few things in life, but my pride and joy are my two children.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

A glass (or three) of wine in the evening.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Everything will pass. Great moments pass, and even the darkest and hardest moments eventually pass too. Life throws everything at you... what matters most is how you deal with it all.

Property and cars aside, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

A designer bag... I’m a bit fixated with bags and shoes.
 
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

I wish I believed more in myself. I had a very low self-esteem and I made life very hard for myself. Thank God I managed to become stronger. I have no regrets though. I feel it’s all leading to more beautiful things.

Who’s your inspiration?

Alicia Keys. She is so talented, beautiful, hardworking and humble. She has a beautiful family and manages to juggle family life and her work brilliantly. And I love her amazing voice.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Finding the right balance between family life and career. Family is everything to me but I finally learned that loving myself and holding on to my dreams is equally important for my well-being too. I’m a better mother and daughter now that I’m finally finding the right balance.

If you weren’t a singer, what would you be doing?

I think I’d be in hospitality. I love cooking and hosting parties. There was a short while when I was considering quitting music… but my passion lies in music and I’m nowhere near done yet.

Do you believe in God?

I’m quite spiritual and I pray every single morning. I find a lot of inspiration and strength when I pray to God.

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

Freddie Mercury. Queen are my favourite band. Freddie was a larger than life person. I love his voice, his talent and the life he created for himself.

What’s your worst habit?

Being scared of confrontation. I avoid it like the plague and it’s not always good to be like that.

What are you like when you’re drunk?

It depends on my mood before I get sloshed. I’m usually very happy and there’s a lot of dancing and singing at the top of my voice involved.

Who would you have play you in a film?

Tough one. Possibly Halle Berry?

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Jealousy. I’ve never been jealous. I’m always so happy for all the good that happens to everyone. Life is too short to live unhappy, especially because of others.

What music would you have played at your funeral?

My Way, by Frank Sinatra.

What is your most treasured material possession?

My Bentley piano. I have had it since I was five, and I have got some great memories writing songs on it.

What is your earliest memory?

Singing along with my favourite Italian cartoons on TV using my dad’s screwdriver as a microphone.

When did you last cry?

Watching Avengers: Endgame at the cinema. My son was laughing at me but I couldn’t help it.

Who would you most like to meet?

Simon Cowell. I’m super-curious to know his real thoughts on my voice and music.

What’s your favourite food?

Maltese bread with kunserva, olives, gbejna and tomatoes.

Who’s your favourite person on social media right now?

Michelle Obama.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

The 70s... love the music, the bling and the big hair.

What book are you reading right now?

‘Becoming’, by Michelle Obama.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flying. Maybe that way I would get over my silly phobia of heights.

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?

Sing before the British Royal Family.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Simulation Theory, by Muse.

In the shower or when you’re working out, what do you sing/listen to?

The best disco music from the 70s.

TELL US...

Can you tell us about your latest single?

‘Bi Ftit Kliem’ is the letter that I’ve always wanted to write to my children but couldn’t... a few words that every mother felt and wanted to say to her children, even if maybe certain life’s circumstances stopped her from doing so. Therefore... this song is for all those who feel that their mother is not there for them for one reason or another... a mother loved you from the very start. And she always did the best she could.