Remembering the King of Pop

Though half a decade has passed since he’s been gone, the legend seems very much alive.

The airwaves are playing Love Never Felt So Good constantly since the song was posthumously released on May 2, this year.

Then, there was his hologram or what seemed to be an immaculate virtual illusion play performing Slave to the Rhythm complete with dark soldiers dancing beneath beaming lights and fire blasts at the Billboard Music Awards 2014 last month. And now he has a tour with Cirque Du Soleil called 'The Immortal World Tour!'

Michael Jackson has never stopped changing the world with his ever so advanced smooth moves – may it be in the music he produced or the dance steps he choreographed. Most importantly, he managed to sway our way, whether one is a fan or not, changing the way we see the world with his meaningful lyrics and unforgettable melody - from We are the World to Heal the World to Man in the Mirror to Earth Song… the list is long.

Believe it or not, everyone has a Michael Jackson songs that they remember fondly.

That is the power music has on people. It connects us and relates us to the definition and emotion of being. I went around asking my colleagues and friends of different backgrounds and ask them what they remember the most about Michael Jackson and here is what they have to say:

Suhaimi Sulaiman, the Group Editor in Chief of Astro Awani, though not a fan, vividly remembers the good times Michael Jackson brought to his life in the late 70’s.

“I remember when I was very much younger. Very, very, much younger, I hopped and danced on a table in a club when I first reach Portland, Oregon to study, to Don’t Stop till You Get Enough from Off the Wall album. It was 1979, I am not a fan but it was great!” said Suhaimi Sulaiman.

For Rizal Zulkapli, a Junior Editor here said he is not a big fan, but he thinks highly of the deed that Michael Jackson has exuded to music enthusiasts around the world.

“I think Michael was instrumental in shedding light on issues like coming of age, world peace and saving the earth. Especially in the 80’s and 90’s when all people cared about was money and wealth” commented Rizal.

And then there are people like Zan Azlee Zainal Abidin, an editor and a former MJ hardcore fan. Zan admitted to hating to admit that he was once a fan of Michael Jackson and that the legend played a major role in shaping the world (in his eyes) when he was growing up.

“I remember and know ALL of Michael Jackson’s songs from when I was a little kid, but only until I reached puberty. It was a phase, the Michael Jackson phase”, said Zan.

For young Jonathan Charles, a DJ who is also an event coordinator, “I am not a hardcore fan but I loved the guy and grew up with his music around and MJ tried to heal the world with his music and he most definitely rocked mine!”

For a huge fan of Michael Jackson like Shuqeera Sufian, a graduate from Berkelee College of Music and and a member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the things that Michael Jackson had contributed to the world and to her world were phenomenal.

“He had done many things for the world and for his fans, even for people in general via his music like Man in the Mirror, Heal the World and many more. Music aside, he was also a humanitarian who cares for the children and the environment. And he had changed mine through music! I feel connected and responsible for the environment and future generations just by listening to his songs.” added Shuqeera.

Michael Jackson ventured into the world of music when his impressive fresh young voice blew minds sang with his brothers, The Jackson 5 in 1964.

Just like how he then became a dominant figure in pop music - it was unexpected.

All his scandals, gossips, rumours, the way he lived his life, his history, the people he surrounded himself with. All were surprising and unexpected. And so was his death.

But above all, one major thing for sure and a no surprise that Michael Jackson has lived in us in each and everyone of us to 'Heal The World'. And he will continue to live in us through his memorable songs. And for that, thank you Michael for rocking our world.

May you rest in peace, King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)