And indeed it was. It was the end of Michael Jackson’s life on earth. On the 25th of June, the world lost its pop icon; a great artist and person who will always be remembered. The reason for this death is still in question, with several different stories suggested by different people. Will we ever know the truth, I doubt, but at the end of the day, does it really matter. Fact of the matter is, he is unfortunately no longer with us on earth. His life came to an end very abruptly, and that is a big loss to the world.

Michael Jackson is an icon of not only pop music, but also an icon on determination, success, and freedom of thought. He changed the lives of many people that he never knew, and it is said that at least 60% of today’s population grew to watch him dance, sing, perform and just be.
I’m sure many of you share childhood memories of standing in front of the T.V screen trying to imitate his moves and dances (especially the moonwalk, never quite managed that one!!!), laughed or admired his sense of dress, and purchased at least 3 of his albums. I don’t think there is a person who doesn’t know most of Michael’s wide collection of amazing songs. 

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, U.S. He was the seventh child of the Jackson family and he made his debut onto the professional music scene in 1968 at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5. He then began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group, and continued his solo career dominating the music industry.

He was pronounced dead at approximately 2:25pm on June 25th due to a cardiac arrest declared the paramedics who attended his house in Los Angeles.  This news definitely came as a shock to us all, and millions all over the world mourned for him in various ways.  Many venues in different cities hosted parties in his honour. Streets were filled with mourners dancing the way Michael did. The gates of Neverland turned into a shrine with thousands of flowers laid down in his memory. TV and radio shows played his music and music videos for days after. Programs were made as a tribute to his life. Magazines paid outrageous amounts to purchase “his death photo”.

Since his sudden death, his popularity and fame has outshone many before him, and it is said when news spread of Jackson's death, web records were broken, servers timed out, and Google at first hand thought it was an attack.  Michael Jackson, even when dead created a cyberspace traffic jam, and his songs took over the charts again.

Michael will not only be remembered for all the awards he has won, but also, for his generous heart, and his 1982 album “Thriller” yet remains to be the world's best-selling album of all time. At the age of 50 at the time of his death, he was preparing for “This Is It”, a series of 50 concerts that would have been held in London beginning July 13, 2009.

With all of this in mind, The Sinai Weekly asked Sharmers how and if Michael Jackson affected their lives:

“Michael Jackson was my icon of liberation. I remember I used to always think to myself, well if Michael Jackson can do it, so can I. So thank you Michael for giving me that push and will to get my message across,” stated Hala, a local tour rep.

“He taught me how to dance. When I was growing up, I used to practice his moves so that I made sure I could do them at parties,” stated Simone, a dive guide.

“I feel like a part of my childhood has been taken away. It’s strange. I feel empty.” Said Monica.

“He was a fragile soul in a cruel world. I always felt he was in connection with something deeper than the world we live in. People condemn him for having a chimpanzee as a pet when he moved away from people. Well obviously that would happen, I mean imagine being Michael Jackson. Would people leave you alone? Of course not, and so good on him for choosing a chimp over people,” declared Ramzi, a local designer.

“I used to love the guy until I heard he used to sexually molest children. That was a major turn off for me. I stopped listening to his music then.” Pointed Joanne.

“It’s a shame that he died so soon. I am sure his tour, This Is It, would have been the best performances ever done by anyone. Sad. It’s just sad.” Stated Adel, a local dive guide.

“He really touched my heart. I remember growing up, there was a Michael track that would just so perfectly fit into my life at that time. I could always feel myself in his music and lyrics. And of course I thought he was one of the most attractive people on Earth. It’s a big loss to humanity, and I hope that one day there will someone with just as much positive influence.” Said Ranya, a local business owner in Sharm.

So, goodbye Michael and may your soul Rest in Peace.