He's a well-known face on the streets of Leicester, thrilling shoppers with his uncanny Michael Jackson impersonations. But busker Messiah Unsudmi has big dreams and plans to moonwalk all the way to the top.
The teenager has already played the younger version of the king of pop in the West End musical. Touring the world with the cast of the stage show at the age of just nine, he's also entered many competitions.
When he has time, Messiah likes to entertain in the city centre, showing off the King of Pop's signature moves. The 13-year-old told LeicestershireLive it all started when he was just three.
“Michael has been my idol forever and he really inspired me to dance and sing. I watched all his videos and just started copying his moves. I taught myself everything I know," he said.
“My sister was busking in town at the Clock Tower and I asked her if I could join her. A few days later I started busking in town in front of people. That is how my journey to dancing in the city centre began.”
While travelling with the tour he visited countries like Saudi Arabia and Germany. “Being a part of the Thriller tour was a fantastic experience for me and a real honour to perform as MJ. It is quite rare in the UK to have a job like that, especially at my age.
"To be known as perhaps one of the first kids in Leicester to do MJ impersonations so publicly and on such a wide scale makes me feel privileged. But I'm proud to be able to perform in my city nearly every day.”
Despite his young age, Messiah acknowledges the bravery it takes to be able to perform in front of so many people. Again, he credits watching Michael Jackson’s performances as the source of his confidence.
"Watching his concerts and videos, and seeing him wear unique, bright and colourful costumes, is just so interesting to look at, and it has really inspired me to be comfortable with what I wear in public. Wearing a single glove is so cool and such an iconic statement."
He added: "Seeing him perform in front of thousands of people made me realise that if he can do it, then so can. The spirit of Michael Jackson is upon me when I perform, and I just don't really fear."
His favourite MJ song is Smooth Criminal. He said: “I just love the lyrics, his voice and what goes on in the song - It's so cool. The music video definitely stands out the most to me out of all of them."
The only thing which makes him nervous is dancing in front of his friends, but that won't stop him following his dreams. “In 10 years time, I will see myself on TV shows, on the radio, on stage having my own Michael Jackson-inspired show and performing with The Jackson 5 is my real goal," he said. "I just want to make people happy with what I do.”
