Micheal Jackson

As I watched Micheal Jackson memorial service today at the Staple centre in Los Angeles California which was packed to capacity I couldn’t help smile at the overwhelming emotional and celebrationary event that it was. A host of celebrities such as Lionel Richie who led other celebrities in singing we are the world a song he co wrote with Micheal Jackson. Notably absent were Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor who had sent their condolences saying that words could not express what they felt. Nelson Mandela also sent his own message of condolence to the family.

The Memorial began with a rendition of We are going to see the King by a wonderful Baptist choir. Micheal Jackson’s silver casket was placed below and in front of the performance stage and it was indeed a sombre moment when the casket appeared after which the 20,000 people burst into loud cheers and ululations. The service was opened by Rev Lucious Smith who gave short and hopeful memory of Micheal. Next on stage was Mariah Carey who together with Trey Lorenz sang a teary but cheerful rendition of Jackson 5’s i’ll be there in a way she does best.

Next up was Queen Latifah known for her strong character and skills in rap music and more recently her appearance in many successful Hollywood music. She gave a robust account of her and the black American experience of Micheal who she said inspired many African Americans to see another world. In a poetic rendition he was proclaimed as a gift to the whole world. Lionel Richie followed with a song called Jesus is love which was sang amazingly.

Berry Gordy Motown Founder followed with his account of Micheal Jackson’s talent saying Micheal was just 10 when he auditioned for him in Motown. He proclaimed Micheal as the greatest entertainer that every lived to standing ovation across the world. After a short memorial clip Stevie Wonder next on stage and gave what for was the most sorrowful song of the event Never dreamed you would leave in summer. Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson both gave an account of how charitable Micheal was saying that he had broken the Guinness book of world records of amount of money given to charities with Magic funnily stating that Micheal ate Kentucky fried chicken.

A pregnant Jennifer Hudson such will you be there. Al Sharpton gave a resounding speech about how Micheal Jackson broke the racial boundaries and made it possible for all races to mix in their teens and consequently able to vote for President Barack Obama. He also said that there was nothing strange about Micheal but what Micheal had to deal with was strange to a loud cheer around the world. John Mayer performed Human Nature on his guitar. Next up was Brooke Shields who gave a shaky testimony about how they shared fun times together and a up close and personal account of a happy and cheerful Micheal.

Jermaine Jackson perfomed a beautiful rendition of Charlie Choplins’s smile for his younger brother holding back tears at the end of the song. Bernice King and Martin Luther King the 3^rd Martin Luther’s children acclaimed as Micheal as being the best at what he did and therefore encouraging us to be the best at what we do. Bernice said Micheal made her dying mother smile with his kind words when he spoke to her over the phone. Sheila Jackson Lee United States a US congress woman called him a good Samaritan who cared and gave for those in need and for whom the house of representatives will honour him with a commendation.

Usher sang gone to soon in front of the pop stars casket breaking down at the end and getting comforted by the Jackson’s family. Britain got talent young star Shaheem Jafargholi sang . Memorial Organiser Ortega spoke about Jacksons last days and showcased Micheal Jacksons last performance a final rendition of heal the artists and the entire audience and viewers around the world holding hands.

Marlyone Jackson gave a final a memorium in which he explained how Micheal gave up his freedom to give us his music. Katherine Paris Jackson closed of the speeches saying I love you daddy.

The casket carrying Micheal Jackson remains was carried out with the soundtrack of Man in the Mirror playing in the background , this was indeed the sound track to Micheal Jacksons life.

After thought

CNN has reported that going by the albums sold last week on Amazon (i ordered 3 albums myself) it is expected that all his outstanding debts will be cleared. Micheal Jackson has been the most charitable celebrity having donated 300 Million Dollars to various charities. In fact 20% of his wealth is to be donated to charities such as the United Negro Caucus by the Executors of his wills such as there have been claims that Micheal Jackson was trying to be white should be treated with utter contempt. The man himself said that he is very much a black man though analysts agree he did have issues with his appearance having been abused by his father when he was in his adolescents because of his acne problem, again which any normal teenager faces though Micheal at age 5 was already a star and was thus struggling with his problems in the public lime light.

African Americans are only realising how many racial barriers broke for them during the 60’s and thereafter, he was the man that introduced Black music to both White and Black homes and broke ground for the industry that is pop music. However almost everyone agrees that Micheal’s music crossed all racial boundaries with people loving him and his music across the world.

On a lighter note fans are reporting that they are seeing Micheal Jackson’s ghost on a segment in Larry King’s tour of Neverland. The video shows a silhouette which appears to resemble the singer crossing one the rooms with its head bent down in a style symbolic of the prolific dancer.

Article by John Samson Karanja

7th July 2009