Michael Jackson - File

Michael Jackson grew from a child star to a larger-than-life pop icon and influenced many across the world. He left behind not only a legacy in music - but in pop culture, dance and fashion. In Jamaica, countless dancers and musicians were raised listening to the 'King of Pop' and shows his influence in their music videos, dressing, and dance moves today.

Jackson, age 50, died yesterday after being hospitalised from a cardiac arrest, which caused a shock wave across the entertainment industry as persons expressed sadness at the loss of a legend.

For most, Jackson still had many years ahead of him, his comeback tour, which was set for July 3, was widely anticipated by music lovers across the world.

shocked and dismayed

To-Isis member Renardo Lewis was finding the loss a difficult pill to swallow when THE WEEKEND STAR spoke with the singer yesterday. "I am not taking it well at all, the first time I ever won a singing competition was when I sang Man in the Mirror (a Jackson hit song from the 90's).

"I don't know what's going to happen because I was looking forward to his new tour and his new songs. The world wasn't ready for him to go, I know he would come back and change up di ting," he added.

Reggae singer Tarrus Riley, who recently did a cover version of Jackson's hit song Human Nature, which is set to appear on his third album Contagious, was shocked and dismayed at the death of the pop idol.

"It's messed up, ah mi singer fi true that's why mi sing Human Nature - he was truly a superstar everyone's superstar musician, songwriter, singer and one of the most excellent performers crowds have ever seen. He leaves a legacy of greatness with the world."

comeback concert

Rising Star judge Nadine Sutherland echoed similar sentiments saying, "I can't even understand my own emotions right now. I called some of my friends and they were all crying," she said.

"With all the lawsuits slapped at him, I was really happy that he was gonna do a comeback concert. He is a rare talent and I am not sure that anybody will ever come close to him. He is in a better place now and his music will live on forever," she continued.

Though saddened, Voicemail's Kevin readily admitted the influence of Jackson's career on his fellow mates. "He is the greatest entertainer. I don't think anybody will ever come close to what he has done. I think everybody looks up to him. We all have to go some time but it is really a sad thing," he said.

Outside of artistes, Unlimited dancers, Marlando Shirley and Menase Hines, winners of the 2009 Red Label Wine Dancin' Dynamites, called Jackson the 'number one inspiration in the world' and recall watching him perform as one of his greatest joys.

"I feel upset, I just can't believe right now. Just before his upcoming concert?" questioned Marlando. "He was like the number one inspiration in the world. Him make me really a do this thing and get to love it," he added.

Certainly, the news of Jackson's death has caught the public by surprise, even though the pop singer has been struggling with health issues for more than a decade now.