In an exclusive interview with Loudest.in, Hukmani opens up about the emotional, artistic and cultural motivations behind the tribute and reflects on Michael Jackson’s timeless influence across generations
As global anticipation builds for the official Michael Jackson biopic set for release on April 24, 2026, world radio chart–topping Indian artist Vineet Singh Hukmani has made history by becoming the first singer globally to release a musical tribute honoring the King of Pop’s enduring legacy.
Through officially licensed, culturally reimagined versions of Michael Jackson’s iconic songs, Vineet brings together Indian classical textures with contemporary global pop sensibilities.
In an exclusive interview with Loudest.in, Hukmani opens up about the emotional, artistic and cultural motivations behind the tribute and reflects on Michael Jackson’s timeless influence across generations.
Michael Jackson has inspired generations of artists across the world. What made you feel that this was the right moment to create a tribute of this scale?
Michael Jackson is perhaps the most universally influential artist in modern entertainment history. He wasn’t just a musician , he redefined what it meant to be a global performer by merging sound, visual storytelling, and dance into one seamless artistic language.
With the upcoming biopic set to introduce his legacy to both longtime fans and a new generation, and with the continued celebration of the 44-year cultural impact of Thriller, it felt like a deeply meaningful and timely moment to pay tribute. I wanted to contribute to the worldwide celebration of his artistry in a way that reflects both admiration and cultural reinterpretation.
Your tribute doesn’t simply recreate Michael Jackson’s songs — it reimagines them. What was your creative philosophy behind this reinterpretation?
Respect was the foundation of this project. When you work with songs that are already legendary, the goal is never to compete with the originals but to present them through a new emotional and cultural lens.These are officially licensed covers of Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller, but they incorporate Indian classical instrumentation like sitar and tabla alongside contemporary global arrangements. Vocally, I chose a soulful, easy-going English delivery that
allows the listener to rediscover these songs in a more reflective and textured soundscape. The idea was to build a bridge between Eastern musical tradition and Western pop culture, much like Michael himself built bridges between genres and audiences worldwide.
Many artists hesitate to reinterpret iconic music due to the emotional attachment audiences have to originals. How did you balance authenticity with innovation?
That was definitely one of the biggest responsibilities of this project. I approached the songs almost like cultural storytelling rather than cover versions. The melodies, essence, and emotional pulse of Michael’s music remain intact, but the instrumentation and arrangement allow listeners to hear familiar songs through a fresh, immersive sonic experience.
Innovation should always enhance legacy, not overshadow it. Every production decision was made with that guiding principle.
The release strategy involves multiple singles instead of a single tribute track. What narrative or artistic journey do these releases represent?
Each of the three singles represents a different dimension of Michael Jackson’s artistic identity. Releasing them sequentially allows listeners to experience that evolution step by step. The intention was to create not just individual songs but a connected tribute journey that unfolds over time.
The singles are scheduled to release across late January, February, and March 2026, building momentum toward the biopic release and allowing audiences to engage with each reinterpretation individually.
This tribute also features an international collaboration. How did working with the Florida-based band All Strung Out shape the project?
Michael Jackson’s influence was never limited by geography, so it was important that this tribute felt global in its spirit. Collaborating with Florida-based Alternative Pop band All Strung Out, who are longtime Michael Jackson admirers, added an international sonic perspective to the arrangements.
The collaboration reinforced the idea that Michael’s music belongs to the world, and this tribute reflects that shared global admiration.
You are recognized as a world record-breaking artist yourself. Does taking on a tribute to someone as iconic as Michael Jackson carry a different kind of artistic pressure or emotional responsibility?
Absolutely. This project was driven more by emotion than ambition. As someone who grew up listening to Michael Jackson, this tribute is deeply personal. Being able to contribute to honoring his legacy feels like a blessing rather than a milestone.
I’ve always admired how Michael combined perfectionism with emotional vulnerability, and that inspired how I approached this tribute musically and spiritually.
With the Michael Jackson biopic releasing globally soon, how do you think modern audiences will reinterpret his legacy?
I believe the biopic will remind audiences of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary cultural impact and artistic bravery. For younger audiences, it could serve as a gateway to discovering how modern pop performance and production evolved.
I sincerely wish Antoine Fuqua, Jaafar Jackson, Sony Music, and the entire creative team immense success. I’m personally very excited to experience the film as both an artist and a lifelong fan.
Listen to the tribute here: