by Christine Lagat
NAIROBI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- When Jackson Wang made a majestic stride across a hotel lobby in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Wednesday evening, local patrons cast adoring glances at the elegantly dressed Chinese artist whose ability to mimic the late American singer, Michael Jackson, is beyond comprehension.
Wang was in his element when he left the upscale hotel for an appearance at Nairobi's Carnivore Restaurant, a popular destination for expatriates and wealthy locals.
The restaurant that is renowned for serving game meat and hosting high-profile concerts was a beehive of activity on Wednesday night when Wang made a grand entrance to the surprise of patrons.
During an interview with Xinhua, Wang said he cherished every aspect of his Kenyan visit and looked forward to future collaboration with the country's performing artists.
"This is my first visit to Kenya and I feel excited to be in a country famous for wildlife. I witnessed local people dance energetically to African music and my visit offers an opportunity to showcase Michael Jackson's dancing styles," said Wang.
He had earlier visited a children's home where he oversaw donation of food to orphaned children and taught them Chinese dance.
"The children were impressed by Michael Jackson dance moves but were also thrilled when I introduced them to Chinese dance. I plan to visit them in future," said Wang.
Born in central China's Henan Province, the 37 years ago started practicing Jackson's music and dancing style at the age of 20 only to excel at a breakneck speed.
He was surprised to discover that local Kenyans have a sophisticated grasp of Michael Jackson, his time-honored relics and dance moves.
"My visit reaffirms Kenyans' strong attachment to the late Michael Jackson and his music. This is a timely opportunity to blend African dance with the one of the legendary singer," Wang told Xinhua.
He promised to explore future collaboration with Kenyan musicians who are renowned for their creativity, energy and entrepreneur skills.
Wang's maiden visit to Kenya was received enthusiastically by locals, who had scant knowledge of him and yet were impressed by his flawless mimicry.
Zack Muriithi, an entrepreneur in his late 20s, said he was impressed by the confidence and elegance displayed by Wang during his surprise appearance at Carnivore restaurant.
"I only came to learn about a Chinese Michael Jackson through the media and was excited to watch him at close quarters. He donned the real Michael Jackson's trade mark regalia and his face resembled the one of the late singer," Muriithi said.
"I look forward to uploading videos of the Chinese Michael Jackson while he is on stage making dance moves associated with the late king of pop. I belong to a generation of Kenyans that revere Michael Jackson. His death left a huge gap in global entertainment scene," said Muriithi, an ardent lover of African beats and western neoclassical music.
Titus Murungi, an investor in tourism sector in his early 30s, was also among the thrilled audience.
"I felt a sense of nostalgia when the Chinese Michael Jackson made a public appearance. He reminded me the halcyon days of my youth when Jackson's music was a bang," said Murungi.
He added that Wang's visit to Kenya offered a refreshing break from post-election anxieties that have gripped the country in the recent past.
