The immediate reaction of most people across the world, on hearing of Michael Jackson’s passing, was shock and disbelief.

In T&T, people were glued to televisions and radios as the event unfurled before them on just about every news channel streaming out of the United States and the United Kingdom.

As for local artistes influenced by Jackson, Machel Montano stands as one of those who took example from the King of Pop as he developed into the ’Prince of Soca’. Montano was in Los Angeles yesterday when Jackson died, and got an opportunity to experience what took place in the city that evening first hand.

’Allow me to first send out condolences to the family of the King of Pop, his friends and fans as we all mourn together. Yesterday (Thursday), the first reaction was that of disbelief as most people stood in shock almost to the point of slow motion, as if the news could have been another rumour. Upon confirmation, it started out as a sad day in LA, but I think the spirit of this great man turned what seemed to be mourning into rejoicing,’ Montano said in telephone interview.

’People gathered at UCLA and the MJ star on Hollywood Boulevard and danced and sang, some were even dressed in his honour. Even in death MJ was able to unite people of all creeds and colours and make them happy. To me, he is and will be dubbed the greatest entertainer that ever lived.’

Montano said he and several other local artistes were deeply influenced by Jackson.

’I and so many other artistes owe our careers to MJ. He encouraged my dream. So much of what I have done has been inspired and informed by him. His standards have set the stage for my goals and in this way he has touched so many,’ he said.

’It is also very important to note that he chose to use his influence for the greater good of mankind in the messages he delivered, through songs like ’We Are The World’, ’Heal The World’, ’Man In The Mirror’ and ’Black or White’, among others. MJ was more than a man he was a ’moment in time’ and, like Bob Marley, this moment will never end.’

Shurwayne Winchester too was moved to make a statement expressing the grief he felt when he heard of Jackson’s passing. Winchester said Jackson’s death leaves a void in the arena of popular music that will never be filled. The former National Road March Champion also stated that Jackson had revolutionised the global music industry from the 1970s to the present era.

’This is a man that improved the making of music videos as well as how dance is incorporated in the performance of songs. Michael Jackson was a true humanitarian in every sense of the title, having initiated causes such as the End Hunger Network. I was making plans to go to London to experience his performance,’ Winchester said.