Push It: The Time I Met Sandra “Pepa” Denton

On May 6, 2014, I attended the sweet 16 party of my childhood best friend, Alyssa. Before I tell you who I met, I want to mention that this story is not like the other meet and greet experiences that I’ve written about. In fact, it spans over a few months.

To set the scene of the Sweet 16: the music is blasting, and I’m mingling on the dance floor with my friends when the DJ tells us to line up for food. I couldn’t be more thrilled to get off the floor, because young me didn’t like to dance. I was what some call a “seat warmer.” 

As I waited in line with my plate, I met a girl named Egypt. At the time, I had no idea that I was talking to the daughter of globally recognized celebrities.

I grew up in Parsippany, NJ, and I frequently go back to my childhood neighborhood to visit my friends from the party. Being in the same friend group now, it only made sense that Egypt and I crossed paths. Since she also lived in Parsippany, we ran into each other often. 

Let’s jump ahead a few months to October. 

Egypt invited our friend group over to go trick-or-treating on Halloween. As I pulled up to her house, I remember being immediately blown away by how beautiful it was. To this day, it is the largest and nicest house that I’ve ever been in. 

As she welcomed me inside, Egypt told me that there was someone that she would like me to meet; her mom. We walked into the kitchen, and to my surprise, Sandra “Pepa” Denton was sitting at the dining room table. 

If you don’t know who Pepa is, she sings the song, “Push It” and is one half of the famous band, “Salt-N-Pepa.”

I was familiar with Salt-N-Pepa because my mom was an avid fan, and of course I had heard them on the radio and seen them on TV. 

I wish I could tell you what my initial reaction was, but there wasn’t any time to react. If I stood in place any longer, they’d know I was internally freaking out. I had to play it cool.

I walked over to her and introduced myself. The conversation was very casual and brief, like the standard chat you would have when meeting someone’s parents for the first time. Mrs. Denton was incredibly sweet and welcoming. 

Fun fact: I almost burnt their house down during this visit too, but that’s a crazier story for a different time. So, if anyone reading this is interested in part two, I’ll be sure to include that side story, as well as my experience meeting Egypt’s father and Salt, which is also a good one.

Until next time, write in to the Cyclone to tell us about your celebrity encounters. We want to hear your tales, too!