Fans moonwalk for Michael Jackson

About 200 Michael Jackson fans from South Africa have performed his famous dance moves in tribute to the pop icon, who died last week.

Crowds watched them do his moonwalk in Johannesburg's Nelson Mandela Square and dance to his most popular tunes.

One fan said his music succeeded in transcending racial lines, which many artists were still striving to do.

"You see that just by looking at the different people gathered here to say their goodbyes," James Stevens said.

The BBC's Pumza Fihlani says the crowd of mostly teenagers gathered at lunchtime to celebrate Michael Jackson's timeless dance moves.

Some came dressed like the late star in black shoes, white socks and even glitter gloves, she says.

South Africa's popular hip-hop dance groups joined in as hits such as Thriller and Billie Jean were played.

Jackson's death at the age of 50 has triggered an outpouring of grief and messages of condolences to his family from all over the world.

One fan at Nelson Mandela Square told the BBC she was "heart-broken" that she would never see him perform.

Another said it was a tribute to the man that his music was universal.

"I am very sad that he had passed on but I know that his music will live on in the hearts of his fans all over the world. South Africa loves you Michael," Thandi Khoza said.

The event, organised in collaboration with some local radio stations, also collected clothing items and blankets to be donated to charities around Johannesburg in Jackson's honour.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Michael Jackson
Today Show
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites