What
kind of eulogy does Michael Jackson (MJ) deserve? It’s doubtful if
anyone English professor is assigned the task of drafting MJ’s tribute,
that, the write-up would satisfy half the readers because different
people have too many good things to share about this distinguished man
who mattered so much especially to the folks in Warri-Nigeria. MJ was
not only an inspiration to people but he actually impacted huge
millions of people/homes with joy across the globe.
Let’s
see MJ’s legendary from the happiness perspective which cannot be
quantified in monetary terms. It’s no more a secret that many people
find solace in smoking or drinking when they’re depressed. Likewise,
many people also get comfort by listening to music, MJ’s music for that
matter. While certain levels of smoking/drinking could cause harm to
the body, hearing MJ’s music really galvanizes the joyous aspect of
your mind. Just for those who may not be familiar with the city called
Warri. Warri is a city in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria. Never mind
that, the rulers in Nigeria have portrayed Warri in bad light before
the world; it’s a lie. The early 70s youth in Warri were people of
happiness and togetherness especially with the sound of MJ’s music, be
it in your car, home, parties and dance clubs. A little deviation from
the subject will be worth it. The reality is that some greedy Northern
Nigerian idiots from the ruling class orchestrated Warri to become a
war zone of all sort. These Northerners brought division and confusion
to the Niger-Deltans in order for them to perpetually steal the natural
resources (oil) of the people. In return of their theft, they’ve
crafted an insulting fraudulent strategy, and had the impudence to name
it with an arrogant word called "amnesty." Well, we would come back to
this another day.
MJ
was a man whose superstardom enormously influenced the music lives of
Warri people. From Market road to Effurun round-about area, and in all
the corners of Warri, you hear the sound of MJ’s music penetrating the
thick walls of those record stores to the amazement of passers-by. At
parties or dance clubs, if you don’t know how to dance on your feet,
you certainly will make it on your chair or in any position you find
yourself. Once a local "DJ" or a music set operator is armed with MJ’s
disks, then, the dancing floor is bound to be very busy no matter the
heel shoes the spectators may have worn. How possible is it for anyone
to hear MJ’s "Off the Wall", or "Billie Jean", etc without engaging the
opposite sex as a dancing partner? MJ means so much to the people of
Warri and its environs and perhaps other parts of Nigeria and of course
across the globe. Even our children are growing up to love MJ’s music,
so why would his legacy not live forever? As part of our culture in
Warri, we entertain our august visitor(s) with delicious food. I still
remember vividly, when some visitors in 1981 visited. Instead of
settling down for the food, they sat-tight and watched a video of MJ’s
concerts which were riveting and forgot about the food. The visitors
were thrilled and it’s not a surprise that, that gist did not go away
for a long time. Indeed, MJ impacted our lives in Warri with numerous
exciting moments as we garnered joy from his music.
What
amount of encomium can you pour on MJ that would be sufficient? Never
mind that there was no "Obama-rism" to give him firm encouragement in
order for him not to change his God’s given handsome looks. Ebony
magazine of June 26, 2009 revealed that, "MTV wasn’t having black folks
before that (1983), and it wasn’t until Michael Jackson and ‘Thriller’
came out, that they decided black folks exist and our music is
important." This was a big break-through as per segregation in America.
Furthermore, MJ championed charity. Thus, he was at the fore-front of
the famous music album----"We are the world." This was designated
towards charity. In other words, he contributed immensely to the
happiness of poor people by putting food on their tables. MJ’s
contribution to the advancement of mankind did not end with the
pleasures he gave to people, he also added his weight to safety on
American roads. Recall that, President Reagan presented MJ, with an
award for his works against drunk-driving in 1984.
The
fact that, MJ became an icon in the music industry as an early teenager
and he held the stage for four decades is sufficient to earn our
respect. He carved out a niche for himself right from when he was a
"baby." MJ grew up as a singer, dancer and composer. Just watch how the
legs swing like what we call "ajasco" in Warri. The steps are so
entertaining, so is the voice that peers through music minds with
ecstasy. How MJ was able to string together effective musical words
that matched the beats at that age remains a mystery to many of us.
What strikes the mind most is that his music was colorless; as such,
it’s easy to conclude that MJ was a magnificent genius.
With the joy MJ deposited in the minds of people, this is a salute to the "king of Pop."
Tosan Okotie
Lives in Texas
June 29, 2009
Lives in Texas
June 29, 2009