As i was finishing my bowl of Maggi soup at the mamak, the Tamil radio announcer mentioned Michael Jackson along with a bunch of jibberish words i cannot understand. The first shocking thought that came to mind: He's dead. Why else would a Tamil radio station suddenly talk about the King of Pop?
It was a shocker when my guess was confirmed and it still is a shocker now. Thanks to my Dad and his endless love for music of his era, i grew up listening to MJ. I remember watching him, clad in his signature white cotton tee and black pants, doing his routines in 'Black or White', the first music video i've ever loved.
During the time when Michael was sporting his long, black, curly locks (which was exactly the same hairdo as my Aunt's), I remember a very young and confused me - young enough to think that only women have long hair - asking Dad:
Me: Pa, is Michael Jackson a girl or boy?
Dad: What is his name?
Me: Michael Jackson
Dad: What is my name?
Me: Michael
Dad: There's your answer
Fastforward a few years later and MJ looked like a different man altogether. Spooky, even. Then the molestation accuses came about and suddenly, people were talking about everything MJ-related except his music. Whether he did what they said he did, honestly, I don't give a hoot. It's a pity that most turned their attention towards the conflicts rather than focusing on the talent that this legend harboured within him.
He opened up a whole new ball game for the blacks and there is no denying how much his music has helped to change the world. One video that makes me tear every single time is 'Earth Song'. For a five-minute song, the melody, lyrics and music video pack such a powerful punch that you cannot help but to feel the pain of Mother Earth and the animals as we shamelessly deal them blows after blows of destruction.
Indeed, Michael Jackson is a legend, dead or alive. And i can only hope that people stop milking his death for their own gains and just celebrate the man whose music has given the world a sweet, sweet sound.
To Michael, may you rest in peace.
Oh crap, i think i'm starting to tear again.
No comments:
Post a Comment