Michael Jackson’s Dream of African Music Schools—and Why We Still Need It
The 63‑year‑old King of Pop had a secret wish: opening full‑blown music universities across Africa. Though he let the dream slip when he passed in 2009, the idea hasn’t vanished—Akon, his good friend, is keeping it alive.
What Was the Plan?
- Set up music schools that give budding artists the tools and know‑how they need to shine.
- Offer industry advice so they can punch up their skills and navigate the business side of music.
- Flag the continent as a goldmine of talent – especially Nigeria’s bustling Afro‑beat scene.
Akon told TMZ, “It started off as a concept: Michael and I chatting about creating music universities across Africa, giving them tools and knowledge of the business, to help them polish up their skills.” He added, “Africa’s got so much talent. One main motivation for going to Nigeria was the young artists for Afro‑beat and stuff like that. I was aware of opening the door to create that opportunity.”
Why It Still Matters
Michael never got to see his vision come to life, but his legacy is far from done. As Akon puts it, “The schools haven’t happened yet, it’s a conversation we had but it’s something I do want to follow up on.”
{{blockquote}}
“Me personally, if people knew who he was and the stories behind everything, that would be a legacy question. Like, do you know what Mike did for culture? It shouldn’t even be a question but ultimately, the powers that be in America work a little different when it comes to black and brown people.”
“Me as a friend, my job is to ensure people understand the truth of who he was as a real person, and whatever I can do to make a difference in people’s thoughts, that’s what I can do.”
{{/blockquote}}
What Can We Do Now?
- Support African music initiatives that aim to equip artists with instruments, training, and business acumen.
- Celebrate the cultural impact of icons like Michael Jackson, shining a light on their genuine contributions beyond the headlines.
- Amplify the voices and stories of black and brown creators—so their stories become the default, not the exception.
Michael’s dream may still feel like a distant echo, but the message is louder than ever: talent is everywhere, and with the right tools, the future is inside someone’s studio in Lagos, Cape Town, or Accra. If we keep walking that path, we might hear the next “Thriller” echo across continents—without even having to wait for a post‑humus sequel.
