The major headline of Nigeria’s politically dominated newspaper, This Day, said: “Africa: Grief Across the World As Michael Jackson Dies”, while Ghana’s politically oriented private newspaper – the Daily Guide – cast their headline thus: “Michael Jackson is Dead.”

Africans addicted to popular social network websites - Facebook and twitter – are pouring their messages of condolences. Ken Anami of Kenya’s biggest news network - Nations Group - told AfricaNews via Facebook chat: “Sad that he had to die we really enjoyed his music because his music made a difference especially the one that says ‘Heal the World’”.

Corban Matecorle in Accra, Ghana has this to say: “I woke up this morning only to hear the death of my POP star King Michael Jackson. The meek and mild Jackson, he rocks the world of POP lovers and lovers of good music. You only get that once in a lifetime. I would pray that people remember him as the greatest performer of all time. May his soul rest in peace.”

Here are some condolences on Face book and Twitter:

A Mozambican fan of Michael Jackson, AljaZz, declared on his twitter page: “South Africans stand up for Michael Jackson! R.I.P king of Pop musik!”

“Africa loves Michael Jackson... from birth you learn how to survive and that Michael Jackson is music... the most famous musician ever,” Rasco Patterson said on twitter @chickenwang4.

“Oh my God I feel like locking ma self in ma room n cry all day now dat ma all time favourite musician Michael Wacko Jacko Jackson is gone...his song-speechless- is wat comes 2mind,” Nana Kwesi Agyeman of West Africa nation of Ghana grieved on Facebook.

“Make this world a better place for me and you these are the words from a true legend like Michael Jackson. I will always remember you Waco Jaco,” Elton Afari, Accra, Ghana said on Facebook.

Another Facebook fan in Accra, Ghana Mercy Fentsiwaa could not hold back her tears: “omg omg omg omg omg...Michael..omg................omg.”

“Michael Jackson passes on; as Obama Dances into Africa,” Adokwei Andrew Addo @selasielove on twitter.

Michael Jackson died at 50 after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest, said Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office, according to Reuters. The cause of death was not known and an autopsy would likely take place on Friday, he said.