Yeah, yeah! I know. Almost every body and their dog is now writing about Michael Jackson’s death. But I had to write a tribute to Michael on my blog because as a teenager I was so much inspired by him and I can not let this moment pass by.

When I heard the news this morning, like every body else I was shocked. That is perhaps an understatement. I was dumbfounded. This can not be! The King can not be dead. Living in East Africa, I was about 12 or 13 when I first saw the Thriller Video. It was the first music video I had seen and the amazing story line, the music, the props, the effects and the makeup all blew me away. I even participated in a high school musical program, in a version of Thriller, as one of the zombies.

Over the years I, like millions of others listened to Michael Jackson’s music. When my daughter came of age and was listening to music and all, I was proud to talk about Michael and recount my experience with Michael’s music.

As Michael turned from a great pop icon to a circus act, I still kept faith and believed that one day this would all turn around and Michael Jackson would show us his musical genius. When I heard of his return to the music scene and his proposed 50 tour deal in the UK, I was really excited.

But Michael Jackson is now dead and I guess he has left behind a legacy of greatness as well as a history of personal troubles and eccentricity. I would like to pay a tribute to the greatness.

He was, is and will be the King of Pop. I hope his soul rests in peace.