If you haven’t already done so, here is why you need to pick up a copy of our June 2016 issue, which is selling like hot cakes.

“Janet is pretty shy, but only when you don’t know her well. I think when you know her well, she’s not shy at all.”

These are the words of Jimmy Jam (of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, a record production team) on one of the biggest superstars in the world. It may come as a surprise for some to learn that our June cover star is much more timid than her stage persona may suggest but Janet Jackson is no stranger to being a mysterious force in the world of pop and fame.

janet jackson

As someone who grew up in the spotlight from a young age, Janet has somehow managed to keep her private life impressively private. From a secret marriage to Qatari husband Wissam Al Mana to rumours she has converted to Islam, nothing is ever as it seems with Miss Jackson. And the singer, songwriter, dancer and actress recently rocked headlines with the announcement of her first pregnancy, aged 50.

janet and michael jackson

Janet with late brother Michael Jackson

Paul Raps on their diamond collection ‘Unbreakable’:

“After having the pleasure of meeting Janet, it was then I realised that her… class and strive for perfection were the most ideal personifications to represent the most… exquisite line of … diamond jewellery.”

Rene Elizondo on Janet’s humility:

“She will not take credit for the things she is responsible for. She will always say ‘We did it’ instead of ‘I did it’.”

Jimmy on Janet’s relationship with her fans:

“It’s a friendly environment and she feels like she’s amongst a group of friends so it makes it easy for her to get out there and perform because she feels comfortable on the stage.”

Wissam Al Mana on his wife:

“She is a very special and talented woman who never ceases to amaze me.”

janet jackson and wissam al mana

Janet with husband Wissam Al Mana

Janet on postponing her tour to focus on motherhood:

“I have to rest up, doctor’s orders, but I have not forgotten about you and will continue the tour as soon as I can.”

Ever the enigma, here are five things you probably didn’t know about Miss Jackson.

  1. She went to her first nightclub, Studio 54 in New York, at just ten years old.
  2. Like Beyonce and Sasha Fierce, Janet has a few alter egos of her own: Strawberry and Damita Jo.
  3. Big brother Michael used to call her Dunk.
  4. She almost starred in 1999’s The Matrix, turning it down to complete her Velvet Rope concert tour.
  5. While her pregnancy comes as a surprise, Janet super-fans will remember she previously admitted that she would consider adoption or artificial insemination in order to have a family.

janet cover

What else you’ll learn in the June issue of Emirates Woman

Everything you wanted to know about freezing your eggs in the UAE.

The UAE is home to some of the most charitable people on the planet so EW meets the women who humanitarian efforts are changing lives in a big way.

We’ve tracked down the best Ramadan designer collections, from Burberry to Bambah, to help you do the Holy Month in style.

Write the star message of the month and you could win and multifry multicooker from De’Longhi 

When Iftar and family gatherings during Ramadan go hand in hand, can food be far behind? Set the stage for you to show off your culinary genius with your newest kitchen must-have, the multifry multicooker from De’Longhi. All you have to do is download the recipe app and whip up mouthwatering oil-free, healthy-fried delicacies, pizzas, mouth-watering couscous, succulent lamb shank, roast chicken and must more to break the fast with. Remember us little people when you’re the biggest star of the iftar.