Perhaps the recent transition of King of Pop, Michael Jackson, would further unite Americans with their kinsmen in Africa, as plans are on in most parts of the continent to celebrate the legendary musician. Here in Nigeria, a team of Jackson’s fans and admirers, led by Guaranga Foundation handlers, has slated August 29 for a memorial concert in honour of Jackson.

Michael Jackson
The concert, according to Bolaji Rosiji, head of Guaranga Foundation and former PMAN president, is being supported by government and stakeholders in the music sector. Some of these include Zmirage, Lyrics Magazine, Tee Mac, the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and a host of other music-loving Nigerians.

Rosiji who recently joined other stakeholders to welcome Marlon Jackson, elder brother of the late Michael to Nigeria, also used the occasion to appreciate Jackson’s greatness as a musician and philanthropist. He disclosed the vision of the concert as a way of celebrating unique values of Michael Jackson, particularly his love and affection for the African continent.

Said Rosiji “The loss of Michael Jackson did not just create a void in the music industry but also in the area of philanthropy the world over. This is why we in Nigeria have decided to set aside August 29 at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos for his post-humous birthday rites and to celebrate the values, which he stood for while alive. We know that in most parts of the world, Jackson would be celebrated on that day and we in Nigeria cannot be left behind’’.

Explaining further, Rosiji hinted that he was personally touched by Jackson’s gift of Fifty million dollars to African children while alive, a gesture which fetched him the Guinness’ Book of Records’ recognition as the Most Prolific Philanthropic Entertainer/Celebrity. Rosiji also hinted that proceeds from the concert would be donated to charity homes and that plans are on to make the concert a yearly affair to celebrate the music icon on Nigeria’s soil.

Asked about the scope of the concert, Rosiji promised that the show would live up to Michael Jackson’s standard in terms of state-of-the-art set and lighting equipment, and that many musicians in and outside Nigeria would perform. His words “ We shall turn the entire TBS into a fair with diverse activities which would also be beamed on mega screens. We shall have many pavilions for side attractions and the stage would be open to competitions on Michael Jackson’s works. We shall also have a live band on stage as well as a Karaoke corner. ‘’

Rosiji added that the organizers would welcome tributes in form of songs or speeches during the occasion, just as the United States embassy in Nigeria is expected to lead others during the tributes making session. The former PMAN president pledged a formidable security system, noting that the BHS team of the Tafawa Balewa Square would be on ground to protect the crowd. He said a total of 51 balloons would be displayed to mark the 51st birthday of Michael while comedians and youths would be allowed to entertain the guests.

On sponsorship, the artiste said efforts are being made to involve the Federal government and all corporate bodies and individuals who believe in the project. He reminded that the yearly concert would further propagate the ideas and objectives of the Feed the World Foundation, which Jackson set up for youth development and empowerment.

Last week on arrival in Nigeria, Marlon Jackson had told journalists that the Jackson’s family would assist Nigeria in resolving the Niger Delta crisis. The 52-year old businessman and artiste also disclosed his project in Badagry area of Lagos, noting that he has been trying to develop a historical museum whose pavilions would be stored with African drums, rhythms as well as a gallery for Michael Jackson’s works.

Marlon who was received warmly at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos also disclosed his late brother’s interest in coming to Nigeria. He said the late Jackson told him he would love to visit Nigeria later this year to inspect the Badagry project. His words“ The last time I saw my brother alive (May 14), I had just returned from Nigeria and Michael asked me what I went to do in Nigeria and I told him about the Badagry project. Michael said he would support the historical museum and promised to visit Nigeria to inspect it.’’