Michael Jackson’s passing

Photos by Jules Gibson

This week we asked the man/woman in the street their views on Michael Jackson’s death, their favourite song and their most striking memory of him.

Noel Cromwell, Private Sector Employee: ‘Well, when I heard of his death I must say I felt really touched. I didn’t cry but I could not believe it. Such a great music icon has left the world. My favourite song is `Thriller’. They were many rumours going around that he was homosexual and all of that, I wasn’t there and I don’t know. That’s what people say but I never see it so I would not pass any judgement. He was a great singer and performer and to tell you the truth, those are the things that I would remember most about him. He was one of the richest, black accomplished Americans and no doubt touched many lives and that is what is important and I would always remember him for that.’

Olrick Gill, Public Sector Employee: ‘I felt very saddened upon hearing of Michael’s death. Of all the songs that he sang, I have to say the one `Billy Jean’ is my favourite. He was one of the world’s greatest singers and for that I would always remember him. His stage performances will always be remembered greatly. No other dancer has been able to move on the dance floor the way Michael moves. I guess as an individual he got what he wanted in terms of achievements and now he can finally rest and forget about all of the cares and troubles he once had. Michael has also influenced a lot of the young hip hop singers that are coming up. He was really great and his songs I know will be remembered by many. He can now rest in peace.’

Rupert Mayers, Private Sector Employee: ‘`I’ll be there’ is my favourite song of all. I felt sad when I heard that Michael had died but you know in the midst of life there is death and it takes us whether young or old, rich or poor. I think the world has lost its greatest musician. I can’t tell you how sad I was when I heard that he was dead. At first I couldn’t believe it I thought it was just a scam. I must say though that I preferred him the natural way before he started all the bleaching and trying to be who he was not. For me, he should have remained the original man the entire world first knew.’

Latoya Jones, Self-employed: ‘I was so shocked when I heard that Michael Jackson died. I kept asking myself, over and over again, Michael Jackson is really dead. I just could not believe it. I can’t single out one song as my favourite of all the songs that he sang. I am a big Michael Jackson fan and I like all his albums. I would remember him as one of the greatest singers who had the ability to touch not only the life but the souls of many people around the world. The way he dances is just breathtaking; he has moves like no other singer has. I think he would always be remembered through his songs. His works will forever live on.’

Neil Junior, Public Sector Employee: ‘`Thriller’ is my favourite song by Michael Jackson. His death came as a shock to me. I must say that I was in a bit of disbelief when I heard that he had passed, but that’s life.  Michael was a phenomenal singer and dancer. Despite what he might have done or is alleged to have done as a private citizen and individual no one can take away or question the talent that he possessed from a very young age. From the days of the `Jackson Five’ right up to the time of his death he had always been famous and would be remembered for just that. He was the man that presumably had the ability to make many of the ladies fall to the ground whenever he performed.’

Andreana Moonsammy, Private Sector Employee: ‘His song ‘black and white’ is my all-time favourite. I am not a big fan of his but I have to give credit where credit is due – he was a great singer and dancer. I was totally shocked when I heard of his passing and am still anxiously awaiting the autopsy to find out what really caused his death. He really touched the lives of many of our young contemporary singers. I am yet to see another MJ. I would always remember his moon walks. He was indeed the King of Pop.’

Rishi Beepat, Self Employed: ‘I didn’t believe that he has really died, I thought that it was just a celebrity scam or rumour. I was shocked and thought to my self at age 50, he is still pretty young. It’s really hard for me to tell you a favourite song by Michael Jackson. I like most of his albums. I would remember Michael Jackson as a person who could change one’s mood. His songs and moves, especially his moonwalk would always be remembered by people.’

Nadacie Kendall, Self-employed: ‘I could not believe it when I heard that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop had died. I am a big fan of his and I like everything about him, especially the way he moves on the dance floor. I don’t like one particular song. I have his albums and listen to them a lot. Whenever I hear a song by Michael Jackson I would always remember him.’

Andromeda Nandesar, Housewife: “`Heal the World’ is my favourite song by Michael Jackson. I remember him from singing back in the days of the Jackson Five at a tender age and I was in shock when I heard that he had died. I felt sorry for him, especially knowing that he was supposed to be performing very soon in the UK. I am a fan of his and must say that I like everything that he does. I know that his character had been called into question in recent years but against all that, let’s look at the singer and performer the world came to know. We have to admit, he is truly the king of pop music. He has inspired many young singers to show their talents in a fearless way. His music will live on in the hearts of many and whenever they are played or performances of him are shown, he would be remembered.’

Nneaka Ross, Nurse: ‘I am not a big fan of his, but I was shocked when I heard of his passing. He was indeed a music legend and has influenced many singers of his time and even after. These are the qualities by which I would remember Michael Jackson. I didn’t like when he started doing all those plastic surgeries but it didn’t change the fact that right up to his death he was still the world’s greatest or one of the world’s greatest singers and performers.’