Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The spirit of pop-legend Michael Jackson,who once made the kingdom his home, lived on at the Bahrain InternationalCircuit (BIC) as motor racing fans boogied to the sounds of the late great soulsinger after the conclusion of the 2012 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
It was pure Michael-mania as tribute actNavi, described as the world’s greatest Jackson impersonator, took to the mainstage at the Formula One Village vending area after the non-appearance blow ofbig-name US sensation LMFAO booked to end the F1 race weekend with a bang.
After an official statement was releasedthat LMFAO would not be performing due to a leg injury suffered by a member ofits crew, considered to be a lame excuse by furious fans, rumours swept thearena that other top drawer performers had stepped into the breach, includingcountry singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
Instead, Navi took control of proceedingswith a thrilling performance the real Michael would have been proud of.
Navi has been performing with his band asan MJ impersonator for the past 24 years, boasts 16,000 followers on Facebookand has attracted more than three million views to his YouTube performances.
He is so hot other Michael Jackson actshave tried to impersonate him! His name had to be ‘trademarked’ as many haveattempted to pass themselves off as ‘Navi’. He was also invited to perform atJackson’s 45th birthday party in Los Angeles and visited the star’s home. As aresult he was hand-picked by the star’s company to work as a decoy coming outof hotels, launches of his albums and as a body double for the late star’splanned concerts in London.
Ticket holder Ryan Mangahas, 33, a graphicdesigner from Hoora, loved the show. He said: “There was a huge crowd andeveryone enjoyed it. It was fun because it’s like Navi brought Michael back tolife. I thought I was watching him perform all over again. Navi did a greatjob.
“Then after Navi went off, DJ Tony tookover and he was great. He kept the party going until 11pm. People were stilljumping around and having a good time.
“Admittedly, at first my friends and I wereupset that LMFAO would not be appearing. Some of my friends even bought Sundaytickets just to watch them. But Navi and the DJ covered for them and they madeit a really good night.”
As well as Navi, fans were treated to livemusic from The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The Phonics, Urban Intro and The ShaolinWarriors. Actor and TV presenter Gil Kolirin acted as the Master of Ceremoniesand apart from the musical acts, The Shaolin Warriors displayed their kung fumoves.
