Ethiopia artists, fans and media mourn Michael Jackson’s death

June 26th, 2009 | EthioPolitics.com |

Ethiopian artists and music fans on Friday mourned the death of Michael Jackson which occurred late on Thursday with heart related health problems.

The news was received here with surprise and shock for the majority of his fans in Addis Ababa.

“I was really shocked by the news about the death of Michael Jackson who proved to the world that people of African descent can make great contribution to music in the world. I cannot say that Michael Jackson is dead, he will be with us for the coming so many years with his best works,” said Ethiopian artist, Solomon Tefera.

Tefera added that Michael Jackson, as a “king of Pop” remains as the best ever musical artiste in the world.

“We Africans should be proud of him and his works. His works are a legacy for the world artists and his fans,”added Tefera.

Michael Jackson who died at age 50 started to get recognition in the 1970s with his music that is still being played throughout the world in radio and TV stations.

“Michael Jackson’s death was unexpected. I did not believe when I heard the news from my friend. He was everything to the music. No musician will replace him in my age or beyond,” said artist Tigist Mesfin.

She added that she was looking forward Michael Jackson’s scheduled concerts in London. “We are unlucky that he died just before that. Michael Jackson will remain with us through his works, even in the next generation,” added Mesfin.

Ethiopian radio and television as well as local FM stations in Addis Ababa are playing his music since Friday morning.

A majority of the taxi drivers are also playing his music in their car stereos since the news of his death was announced here.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued here that it was with great shock and sorrow that the government and people of Ethiopia learnt of the untimely death of the great artist Michael Jackson.

“He will be remembered by the Ethiopian people for his compassionate contribution in the Live Aid Campaign, which had successfully raised the awareness of the world about the tragic famine that occurred in Ethiopia between 1984 and 1985,” said the ministry.

The ministry said his contribution was immortalized by the song entitled “We are the World” which was co-authored by him. “Michael Jackson will continue to have a special place in the hearts of Ethiopians for his unforgettable humanitarian work during a very difficult time for them,” added the ministry.

“The people and government of Ethiopia wish to express their condolences to the bereaved family of the late Michael Jackson.”

His fans are mostly in the ages of 30s and 40s here in Ethiopia..

His tracks like ’Thriller’ and  ’Bad’ are among Michael Jackson’s best selling albums that are still popular throughout the world.

Michael Jackson was the first black artist whose video music was played on MTV in the early 1980s.

Michael Jackson is survived by his three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II.

APA