Demola Ojo
28 June 2009
Lagos — R&B sensation, R.Kelly, who is in Africa for the first time to perform at various events organised by Arise magazine published by the THISDAY Group, used his performance at the THISDAY Music Festival at Sun City Superbowl in Capetown yesterday to pay tribute to his 'mentor', Michael Jackson. R.Kelly held the capacity crowd at the Super Bowl spell bound as he rendered three songs in tribute to late Michael Jackson. He sang two of Jackson's songs: I'll Be There and U'll Never Be Alone and added his own If Only I Can Fly, in honour of the departed king of pop music.
R.Kelly had earlier before yesterday show on hearing of the death of Michael Jackson mourned the late musician by saying that:
"I am truly saddened that my mentor, brother and friend will no longer be with us physically. At the same time I feel so blessed to have been touched by his music, his dance, his lyrics and his pure genius. It is because of Michael's yesterday that I am who I am today! My condolences to his family and friends around the world. Michael Jackson rest in peace and may your music and legacy forever reign on Earth," he said.
R.Kelly has written songs for the departed pop icon and some of their collaborations include Cry, from Michael Jackson's 2001 album, Invincible - a song in which he also performed the backup vocals , One More Chance and You Are Not Alone.
R.Kelly will leave South Africa for Nigeria where he would perform in Lagos and Abuja between July 3rd and 5th.
According to an announcement by the organisers of the THISDAY Music Festival 2009, the first show by R.Kelly in Lagos on July 3, will include a 3-course dinner which would allow members of the audience to meet and greet the top musician during and after party get together.
The musician will later proceed to the Wembley Arena in London for his final performance in the 2009 THISDAY Music Festival on July 8.
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