It seems almost incomprehensible that he is not in our midst anymore, but as heartbreaking as it is to come to terms with, Michael Jackson is gone. He passed away on 25 June 2009 in Los Angeles, California of a cardiac arrest at the age of 50. Even though I never had the opportunity to meet him or see him perform live, his death has affected me so deeply as I am sure it has many others. His music, voice and dancing prowess are in my opinion unbeatable. Michael Jackson has been a vital part of the music industry that we all know today. He will not be remembered just for his music but also for his amazing contributions to the welfare of children all over the world, for all his contributions as a humanitarian.

“Music has been my outlet, my gift to all the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.” – Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph was born in Gary, Indiana to a large family. He was a musical prodigy and at a very young age became the dominant voice and focus of “The Jackson 5”, a band that grew to be a sensation. Jackson shared the stage with his brothers, Tito, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon. By 1969, when Michael was only 11 years old, the boys were producing back-to-back hits as Motown artists. Despite the amazing reception “The Jackson 5” received, solo success was almost inevitable for Michael. By the 80s Michael had released the biggest selling album of all time, “Thriller” and started a whole era for the music world with elaborate music videos or “short films” as he called them. Several albums followed all bearing similar successes but soon after, the rumours and cruel accusations began to surface.

“Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists.” – Michael Jackson

Untrue accusations were hurled at Michael Jackson as a method to scam money from him. People played on his naivety and trusting nature, his innocence. Michael Jackson was a child himself, how could he have possibly hurt another child. Faithful fans and family stood by him as he survived the turbulence and came out stronger. Michael’s pure heart was taken advantage of and he was faced with similar allegations several years later. Rightfully he was acquitted of all the charges and he went back to living his life in peace although that was hardly the case with the paparazzi trailing his every step.

“Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child.” – Michael Jackson

Apart from him amazing musical career, Michael Jackson leaves behind the most important aspects of his life, his three beautiful children, Paris, Prince Michael and “Blanket”. I am sure, from observation and observation alone that he had overwhelming amount of love for his children. We may have lost a music legend but they have lost their father, the closest person to them. However, with the presence of the warm and loving family that they have, I am certain they will get through this difficult time and adapt to life without him. Michael raised them in his magical compound, Neverland. It was his sanctuary, he could be a child playing in the amusement park or just sitting in a tree and writing a song. It was his haven and I think it is safe to say there is no place and there never will be a place like Neverland.

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was a completely different person on and off stage. On stage he was boisterous, extremely confident and simply amazing, he was a true entertainer. Off stage, he was quite soft spoken and reserved. He had a warm sense of humour and made everyone laugh. I can tell from watching videos of him that he must have been truly a joy to be around. A certain documentary that I happened to come across truly angered me. It was a documentary by Martin Bashir, who made Michael out to be something other than what he was. He was one of those individuals who took advantage of Michael’s trusting nature. Throngs of Michael Jackson fans expressed their hate for this liar of a man in any way that they could, once again proving that his fans stood by him and loved him very much.

Michael Jackson was in some ways a hero; he tried to help as many people as he could, put smiles on as many faces as he was capable of. For the most part, he succeeded. His musical legacy will constantly remind us of him, his amazing songs will continue to play in our CD players and his dance moves will remain unparalleled. He was not just the King of Pop, he was more, he was the greatest entertainer of all time. Just last night, I watched a video of a Michael Jackson concert and as he exited the stage after his final song, it occurred to me that no matter how many times the fans called for an encore, he would not return because he has gone now, hopefully to a better place. Rest in peace Michael, the world will always love you.

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” – Michael Jackson