South Africa holds Jackson moonwalk tribute
AP, Jul 3, 2009 12:00 pm PDTSeveral hundred South Africans gathered on Friday for a moonwalking tribute to the King of Pop that reflected the diversity of the rainbow nation. One guitarist performed an acoustic version of "Billie Jean" to an audience of curious school children. Meanwhile, a screaming ring of onlookers watched dancers such as 28-year-old Stacey-Anne Miller, decked out in a white v-neck shirt, fedora and black jeans, do her best impression of Jackson.
They were in Johannesburg's Nelson Mandela Square for one reason: an abiding love for Michael Jackson's music.
"He's the king and will always be the king," said 28-year-old Siviwe Mazwana.
To "Man in the Mirror" and "Smooth Criminal," dancers of all ages emulated the hip-jutting, crotch-grabbing, moonwalking moves that made Jackson famous. Some had ducked out on lunch breaks from nearby offices, a single white glove the only unbusinesslike part of their outfits. Others came in full Jackson regalia, wearing red satin jackets and punctuating dance moves with a tip of the fedora.
"This is the tip of the iceberg, as far as tributes go," she said, referring to the mass remembrances that have taken place around the globe.
Mpumi Malangabi brought his two children to the event, along with roses and an American flag. Others brought homemade signs, banners and old albums.
Jackson had a history of appealing to racially-mixed audiences here. Many at Friday's event grew up listening to "Thriller" and practicing the moonwalk through the tumultuous years before the end of apartheid.
In death, Jackson's music continues to bring people together.
On Friday, when a power failure knocked out the sound to "Black or White," the crowd didn't stop singing.
More Artist News
Michael Jackson to get lifetime achievement Grammy
Dec 11, 2009 12:11 pm PST
Singer Michael Jackson next month will receive a posthumous Grammy for lifetime achievement, along with six other artists, organizers of the music industry's top awards said. The others honored with the annual award are Canadian sin...
Jackson brothers staying out of blame game
Dec 10, 2009 3:00 am PST
Jackie, Marlon and Tito Jackson say they don't want to point fingers about their brother Michael's death. Jackie Jackson cites the ongoing Los Angeles police homicide investigation, saying he wants to wait until it's finished before comme...
Fans kept guessing about "Jackson 4" reunion
Dec 4, 2009 2:00 pm PST
Michael Jackson's death put a sudden end to long-rumored plans for a Jackson 5 reunion, but brother Jermaine on Friday kept fans guessing about whether there might be a "Jackson 4" concert next year. "Those plans are in the works but ...
Jackson's `This Is It' out on DVD in January
Nov 30, 2009 10:00 am PST
"Michael Jackson's This Is It," a film about the King of Pop's final rehearsals before his death, will be released on DVD on Jan. 26, 2010. The DVD release was announced Monday by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. "This Is It" captures J...
Jackson's doctor returns to his Houston clinic
Nov 23, 2009 1:00 pm PST
Michael Jackson's doctor returned to work at his Houston medical clinic on Monday for the first time since the pop star's death and his patients welcomed him back without reservation. Dr. Conrad Murray was greeted by several patients and ...
Loading...
-
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Michael Jackson -
This Is It
Michael Jackson -
25th Anniversary Of Thriller (EPK)
Michael Jackson -
Beat It (Digitally Restored)
Michael Jackson
