Michael Jackson - (noun)- origin 1958: American. Used to describe performers who bring unparralled imagination to their art, and bring escapism and joy to millions.
- extraordinary showmanshship
- childlike eccentricity
- trailblazer
- great accomplishment
- a man without peers
MJ was the dude that wore funny outfits, played with kids and was kid-shy all the time. Most importantly though, in the 18,563 days (see Wolfram Alpha) he was on this earth, Michael Jackson was the best performer to walk (and moonwalk) on this planet.
He was truly the worlds' first pop star, redefining music video as an art with the title video for record-breaking Thriller (1982).
He revolutionized the world of entertainment and turned himself into a voice that every child and adult loved to hear. It was also a voice that sought to change the world. His efforts in music collaborations such as "We are the World" helped to bring focus to a lot of issues.
His heart-wrenching death leaves a gap that none of the current breed - Chris Brown, Usher, Beyonce et al - can never ever fill. There was a child-like passion to Michael's art. It wasn't about money or ego. The man simply wanted to entertain. And he did!
It was for this reason that he could connect with his audiences like no other. I remember sitting glued to the TV screen with my sister in Zimbabwe, as we watched Michael Jackson in his element in a Bucharest concert (1998, if memory serves me right). In those days we were not allowed to watch TV after 10pm. The concert was starting at 10.30 Zimbabwean time. We all retired to our bedroom early and then came back to the living room when our parents were asleep. Jackson was very emotive; the girls were crying...it was a magical moment that was imprinted in my mind forever. RIP Michael.
P.S Ladybrille has a piece here on how African celebs are reacting to MJ's passing. Plus play/download the MJ tribute song