THERE are Michael Jackson tributes - and then there is Navi!

As he prepares to bring his King of Pop tour to two venues in the North West, the world’s leading Jackson impersonator is promising fans these shows will be as close to a full-blown Michael Jackson concert as it’s possible to get.

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Navi - the only tribute artist to be invited to perform live by the man himself - will be joined at the shows at Bowlers in Manchester and Preston Guild Hall by Jennifer Batten who was Michael Jackson’s guitarist for his Bad, Dangerous and History world tours, and worked with the global superstar for 10 years.

“Having Jennifer for the show gives them an added dimension,” said Navi. “To have that who person performed on world tours at some of the biggest concerts ever including Michael’s Superbowl half time show which is the most watched in history on stage with me is surreal.

“With Jennifer on stage the expectation from fans will be even greater, this has to be the ultimate celebration of Michael. It can’t be that she is the highlight or that I am the highlight, we have to come together to put on the ultimate show.”

Navi has been touring the world for over 20 years celebrating the music and artistry of Michael Jackson. The superstar occasionally used him as a double to fool the paparazzi who followed him everywhere and twice he was invited to perform at Michael’s birthday party earning a standing ovation.

“I will always treasure the times I met Michael Jackson,” said Navi. “I must have watched the recording I have of Michael applauding me when I performed for him and it still gives me goosebumps.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s me on the stage in Los Angeles and him in the balcony watching me and giving me a standing ovation.

“I was and still am a fan and to be given signed items such as one of his jackets or his dancing shoes as I have - there’s no money in the world that can match that.

“But then to perform in front of him takes it to a whole new level.

“I was impersonator and Michael Jackson wanted me to perform at his birthday party. That’s even more special than getting something signed which you’ll keep forever. He recognised me for my art.”

Michael Jackson will forever remain an enigma, the massively talented superstar whose private life was often clouded by controversy.

As someone who met Continued n 31 Michael Jackson, Navi gained an insight into Jackson’s world.

“Having met him and had a glimpse into his life I came away thinking I was so glad I wasn’t him,” said Navi. “The amount of pressure that was on him all the time was unbelievable.

“With Michael Jackson you have to take the bitter with the sweet but you have to remember that from a young age he was someone who was such a big star that he was a target.

“Don’t get me wrong, if there’s truth in any of the allegations made against him, it should be brought out but Michael was such a complicated character.”

Navi said that a day spent at the star’s Neverland ranch was the first time he got to understand the star he idolised.

“There were elephants and giraffes walking around the grounds, a full size train to take you to his theme park and a sweet shop where everything was free,” he said. “On the day I visited there were a thousand under privileged children and their families from all over the world there and Michael had paid for everything, that was the side that people never really knew about.”

Given Jackson’s extensive back catalogue, putting together a show is not easy.

“Having performed for as long as I have I realise that it’s not my show, it’s their night (referring to the audience) and you have to make it the best you possibly can.

“Michael was something special, one of those people who only comes along very rarely.

“When you have icons that inspire you and then see someone doing it badly it upsets you.

“I don’t want to upset any of Michael’s fans or his family so when I get to the point where I can’t do it justice I’ll walk away.

“But until then I will continue to put on a show which is a celebration of his career.”

  • Navi, King of Pop, Bowlers Arena, Manchester, Friday, September 30 (details from 0333 666 3366) and Preston Guild Hall, Monday, October 3 (01772 804444)