Lagos — Michael Jackson may have passed on with a 400 million Dollar debt. Last month at the O2 Theatre in London, he had announced a 50-concert (what has this got to do with the fact that he died at the age of 50?) show that was billed to start on July 13. The show was tagged 'This is It'. In Michael's words, "it was going to be the final curtain fall". How very prophetic! He had announced his own death without knowing it!

Expectedly, his exit has raised all kinds of emotions. NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG joins the stream of people who remember Michael for his philantrophy and many of the positive things he did, trying to reconcile himself to the world by preaching peace and healing that he could hardly find in his troubled soul.

In the days to come, there will be more light shed on the cause of his death than the initial claim of 'cardiac arrest'. No matter what evidence is thrown up, it would not subtract from the mystery and incredible persona of Michael who was more than an idol. To millions across the world, he was a demi-god. Evidently, late pop music legend, Michael Jackson was propelled, among other things, by a burning desire to help contribute to the efforts to make the world a better place, where no man is oppressed. Long before the international relations theory, "new world order" started to be bandied around, Michael was already proffering a dramatic change in world political thinking and the balance of power. It was always there, woven clearly and cleverly into the lyrics of his songs. But was anyone listening? At his death; and looking deeper into the messages he so earnestly wanted to convey to the world, many who thought he lived with a troubled soul would be surprised to discern an overwhelming concern for the well-being of every single person on earth.

He preached tolerance and acknowledged the frailties of human nature in a way that sought your indulgence to understand why he did some of the despicable things he was accused of. "If they say-why, why, tell them that it's human nature," he sang. In the light of damaging accusations of sexual abuse against children and television images of a weak Michael under an umbrella keeping a date in court, he looked like one who could not stand the strain of rigorous court processes. Again, his response had been recorded in his songs long ago. A line from the song, 'Billie Jean' comes to mind, "Mother always told me, be careful who you love, be careful what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth".

Michael's interpretation of the new world order may have pushed him towards multiple plastic surgeries to redefine his looks; and not an abhorence for the black colour of his skin as many have maintained over the years. If ever there was a proud black (African American) brother, Michael should rank high. The song, 'Black or White' projects very strong sentiments about mutual respect, "Had to tell them I ain't second to none and I told (them) about equality and it's either you are right or you are wrong". Michael was so very much vilified for coming under the plastic surgeon's knife one time too many. For someone who had one of the most recognisable names and faces in the world, it would appear as if he did not like his face, but his face changing routine may have been only skin deep, just something to serve its cosmetic purpose. No where was he ever quoted making derogatory remarks about blacks or denouncing his black heritage.

"We Are the World", a 1985 song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced and conducted by Quincy Jones and recorded by a supergroup of popular musicians billed as USA for Africa (United Support of Artists for Africa) stands as a monumental statement to Michael's large heartedness and concern for the less privileged. The song was recorded to help raise money to feed victims of drought in Ethiopia. That singular effort inspired a host of other humanitarian projects including the Live Aid concerts, Voices That Care" - Popular musicians', entertainers' and athletes' charity single, "Tears Are Not Enough" - Canadian charity single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" - UK charity single, "Hear 'n Aid" - Heavy Metal artists charity single, "What's Going On" - American artists to stop the spread of AIDS, "What More Can I Give" - a charity single for the September 11 attacks, "That's What Friends Are For" - recorded as a benefit for American Foundation for AIDS Research.

It was Michael's 'Liberian Girl' that brought a lot of visibility to that tiny West African country. The song did so much to counter the cloudy image of the country's then leader, Sergeant Samuel Doe. There is a generation that may never have heard of Liberia were it not for Michael's 'Liberian Girl'.

Still talking about Michael's proud African heritage, in the song, 'Wanna Be Starting Something' he paid respect to African culture and rhythm by scooping huge chunks of Manu Dibango's Makosa chant and splashing it all over his song. Unconfirmed reports claim the lady in the 'Billie Jean' video is a Nigerian.

Many African-Americans appreicate Michael for being able to break through the colour barrier. His music did not just remain in the black community. It won respect and acceptance across the colur divide. This was long before Barack Obama made people to chorus "Yes We Can". Michael had seen the possibility, pursued it and leveraged on it.

He wasn't just an artiste. He was a good businessman, even if some of his business decisions backfired. The truth is that he had courage to take those decisions when it mattered.

Artistes like Usher Raymond, Ne-Yo and thousands all over the world who copied the Michael Jackson act and made a job of it would not have been who they are if not for Michael. He was a trailblazer who shone for others to see. In Nigeria, there is a gentleman at Kingstin-Jo Fast Food in Apapa (a failed musician) who has now been employed to serve at the tables. He has dressed himseld up as Michael for so many years now. Infact they call him 'Wacko'. There was a Balase who passed on a little while. Of course, there is P-Square whose dance routine is definitely influenced by the late King of Pop. It is a surprise that as at press time, there is no report of persons taking their lives as a result of their obsession for Michael.

Michael was an advocate of change, one-person-at-a-time. The song 'Man in the Mirror' makes a passionate plea. "I'm starting with the man in the mirror (that is himself) I'm asking him to change his ways I see the kids in the street without enough to eat who am I to be blind? Pretending not to see their needs..."

The tender heart that produced the words of this song is perhaps responsible for the strong pull that just draws millions of people around the world to Michael Jackson. Where ever there was a hurting soul, Michael reached out to them in his songs. The video of 'They Don't Really Care About Us' was shot in the ghettos of Brazil and even as his security personnel expressed fears for his safety, Michael had no worries about mingling freely with the less privileged and allowing them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of interacting with him.

The healing balm with which he touched the world was warm and soothing. He used his talents to work for the general good in every conceivable way. The relevant lines in the song 'Heal The World'. It is as if his heart was bleeding as he put life into those words. "Heal the world make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race there are people dying and if you care enough for the living make a better place for you and for me." He goes on to make a definitive statement in "We are Here to Change the World".

One area of his life that Michael Jackson could not get a firm grip on and which helped to spread confusing notions about his personality was religion. About 20 years ago he announced that he was no longer a Jehovah's Witness. The he went on to practice Kabbalah. This is a form of Judaism. This is what the red string on his left wrist signifies.

Michael Jackson took the Shahada for the conversion into Islam in 2008 under the guidance of his brother. Michael Jackson died a Muslim and practiced for two years prior to conversion.

They Don't Care About Us

Skin head, dead head

Everybody gone bad situation, aggravation

Everybody allegation n the suite, on the news everybody dog food

Bang bang, shot dead everybody's gone mad all I wanna say is that

They don't really care about us all I wanna say is that they don't care about us eat me, hate me you can never break me will me, thrill me you can never me jaw me, sue me

Everybody do kick me don't you black or white me

All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us

All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us.

Tell me what has become of my life

I have a wife and two children who love me

I am the victim of police brutality, now I'm tired of bein' the victim of hate

You're rapin' me of my pride oh, for God's sake

I look to heaven to fulfil its prophecy...

Set me free skin head, dead head very body gone bad trepidation, speculation everybody allegation in the suite, on the news everybody dog food black man, black male throw your brother in jail

All I wanna say is that

They don't really care about us

All I wanna say is that They don't really care about us.

Tell me what has become of my right am I invisible because you ignore me?

We are the world

There comes a time

When we hear a certain call

When the world must come together as one

There are people dying

And it's time to lend a hand to life

The greatest gift of all

We can't go on

Pretending day by day

That someone, somewhere will soon make a change

We are all a part of

God's great big family

And the truth, you know love is all we need

[Chorus]

We are the world

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So let's start giving

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives

It's true we'll make a better day

Just you and me

Send them your heart

So they'll know that someone cares

And their lives will be stronger and free

As God has shown us by turning stone to bread

So we all must lend a helping hand

[Chorus]

We are the world

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So let's start giving

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives

It's true we'll make a better day

Just you and me

When you're down and out

There seems no hope at all

But if you just believe

There's no way we can fall

Well, well, well, well, let us realize

That a change will only come

When we stand together as one

[Chorus]

We are the world

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So let's start giving

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives

It's true we'll make a better day

Just you and me