TORONTO - Jermaine Jackson says he and his famous singing siblings were inspired by the over-the-top song-and-dance performances of Bollywood.
The Jackson 5 singer says it's a big reason he's taking part in a tribute to his late brother Michael at a glitzy concert Friday put on by the International Indian Film Academy.
Jackson told a press conference studded with Bollywood celebrities that his family watched Indian films every Saturday when they moved to California to make it big in show business.
"We were watching you from Day 1 as we were on the journey of becoming the Jackson 5," Jackson said Thursday after Indian movie stars including Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Boman Irani launched the three-day party.
"We loved the dance, the costumes, the entertainment, the set design and that's what inspired us a great deal.... So I'm very honoured to be here."
Jackson said he'll be honouring his late brother Michael by singing his hits "Scream" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," as well as "Can You Feel It," by the Jacksons.
Michael Jackson died in June 2009 at age 50 just as he was about to launch a comeback tour.
The tribute is part of the IIFA Rocks music and fashion showcase Friday, one of several performance-laden events meant to promote Indian entertainment stars.
The festivities will be capped with a star-studded awards show Saturday.
"It's a wonderful opportunity because Michael loved India so much," Jackson said of his upcoming performance, which will include a duet with Indian singer Sonu Nigam.
"We love the food, we love the people, we love the music, we love the clothing, everything."
"The music always made us want to go visit India and just being here with the IIFA awards is a dream come true."
This is the first time the touring spectacle has come to North America. The three-day carnival of South Asian music, fashion, celebrity and film runs through Saturday.
Jackson thanked Canadian fans for offering him a warm welcome to Toronto.
"Thank you Canadian fans for supporting my brothers and us since the Victory Tour in the early '80s. We love you and it's always a warm welcome here."
When asked if he planned to incorporate Bollywood dance into his performance, Jackson was coy, only saying he's planned "something."
"People forget now, I'm the bass player from the Jackson 5," he said smirking. "But we know how to move."
