‘Michael’ plays the hits but avoids the hard questions
The long-awaited ‘Michael’ biopic dazzles with iconic recreations and a star-making performance but struggles to uncover the man behind the legend
Michael Jackson
PJ Morton: Listening to his authentic artist’s voice
Singer-songwriter and Maroon 5 band member PJ Morton has just published his autobiography. This is an edited extract
Say goodbye to 80s disco in PE? Never!
Fifty years ago, disco started having an impact. Its influence was felt even in apartheid South Africa
Can you separate art from the world’s greatest artists?
Has the notion of separating art from the artist evolved? The answer is personal and lies in the eyes, ears, and actions of audiences.
The refreshing nostalgia of Silk Sonic
Silk Sonic’s adventurous nostalgia is not a testimony to older music being better but rather the artists offer a listening experience that is refreshing because it is so different to what popular ears have become accustomed to
Africa in brief: 18-25 September
In the round-up: Covid-19; the obscenity of Western countries; closing schools for the rest of the year; and Samuel Eto’o declares his candidacy
The Cameroonian rhythm that set the world on fire
How Manu Dibango’s hit became the most sampled African song in history
I just can’t stop lovin’ you
Michael Jackson’s fans worshipped him even after his death — until Leaving Neverland. Bongani Madondo writes about dealing with a fallen god
Doccies don’t lie. Or do they?
In Leaving Neverland two men make allegations refuted by the family of a dead man unable to defend himself
US prosecution builds ‘serial predator’ case against Cosby
The now frail 80-year-old could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted at his retrial for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand.
Posthumous Michael Jackson album due in May
A new Michael Jackson album has been named "XSCAPE" and will be released five years after the star’s death, says a record label.
Quincy Jones sues Michael Jackson estate over royalties
Music producer Quincy Jones is suing for millions of dollars in royalties he says were generated from some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits.
Tax disputes plague Michael Jackson estate
The estate of music legend Michael Jackson has been fighting the US Internal Revenue Service over taxes and penalties levied on the star’s assets.
Doctors ‘competed’ to treat Michael Jackson, claims ex-wife
Various doctors were "competing" to treat Michael Jackson, each offering even-stronger painkillers before his death, claims the star’s ex-wife.
Michael Jackson’s teen daughter Paris attempts suicide
Paris Jackson, the 15-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson, has been rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after an apparent suicide attempt.
Paramedic: Michael Jackson looked emaciated when he died
The first paramedic on scene at Michael Jackson’s home the day he died said the singer looked emaciated, like someone at the end of a chronic illness.
Jury in Michael Jackson trial hears promoter ignored ‘red flags’
Attorneys for Katherine Jackson have outlined the case in opening statements accusing concert promoter AEG of contributing to the singer’s death.
Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray files appeal
Michael Jackson’s jailed former doctor has filed an appeal against his conviction for involuntary manslaughter over the star’s 2009 death.
Michael Jackson’s family seeking billions in wrongful death lawsuit
Michael Jackson’s family is suing concert promoter, Anschutz Entertainment Group for his death in 2009.
Promoters voiced Jackson doubts before death
The promoters of Michael Jackson’s ill-fated 2009 comeback concert series feared he was unstable, with one describing him as a "mess".
Nephew appointed co-guardian of Michael Jackson’s children
A judge has appointed Michael Jackson’s nephew to share guardianship of the singer’s children, despite a last-minute challenge by other relatives.
TJ Jackson: Jackson children’s new co-guardian
TJ Jackson was one of Michael Jackson’s favourite nephews. Now, he has been anointed as co-guardian of Michael’s most prized treasures.
Katherine Jackson’s doing fine, says her attorney
Katherine Jackson’s attorney has said that he had met with his client face-to-face for the first time in several days and that she was doing fine.
Michael Jackson’s kids in guardianship dispute
The matriarch of the Jackson family says she is devastated by a judge’s ruling to temporarily strip her guardianship of Michael Jackson’s children.
Rivalry over Michael Jackson’s estate
The executors of Michael Jackson’s estate say they are concerned about the singer’s mother and his three children amid a feud over money.
Michael Jackson’s doctor given four-year sentence
A judge has sentenced Michael Jackson’s physician, Conrad Murray, three weeks after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the star’s death.
Michael Jackson’s doctor to be sentenced
Dr Conrad Murray is due to be sentenced on Tuesday over the death of Michael Jackson with prosecutors asking for the maximum four year jail term.
‘Michael Jackson was an addict’
As Conrad Murray waits to hear his sentence for involuntary manslaughter, a tv interview is due to reveal he thought Michael Jackson was an addict.
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Doctor guilty of manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death
Michael Jackson’s personal doctor has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the star’s death in 2009 but may not spend much time in jail.
Jackson doctor will not testify in own defence
Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray has decided not to testify in his own defence at the climax of his manslaughter trial over the star’s death.
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How did Michael Jackson die?
The trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray enters its final act as a jury prepares to consider whether the medic is guilty over his death.
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Expert: Jackson likely addicted to pain medicine
Medical records showed that Michael Jackson developed an addiction to a powerful pain medicine in the months before his death, an expert says.
