The legacy of pop singer Michael Jackson always has meant a lot to Datrell “Malik” Jenkins of New Iberia, who has been channeling the dance moves of the performer almost since he could walk. 

Jenkins, 21, calls himself the “Number One Michael Jackson Impersonator in New Iberia.” If anyone has attended a big event going on in town, chances are they’ve seen Jenkins dressed like the “King of Pop” and showing off some of his best moves for a captivated audience. 

“I’ve been doing it going on 15 years,” Jenkins said. “I’m still number one in New Iberia because of my famous footwork.”

It all started after the death of Jackson in 2009. Jenkins, who has had a knack for dancing and singing during his free time since he was 6 years old, heard about Jackson’s funeral and decided to try some of his signature moves. 

“I heard about the funeral and I knew he was one of the greatest, so I said, Let’s give this dude a try.’ The first day I came up with it a lot of people were saying, ‘How do you dance like that?’ ”

Ever since, Jenkins has been improving his impersonation steadily and consistently. 

“I’ve been getting better at it ever since,” he said. 

“In my free time I’ll be singing and dancing, I put a lot of time and effort into my dancing. Even when I’m about to eat I’ll be dancing. My parents and friends like it and appreciate what I do.”

Jenkins, a 2016 graduate of New Iberia Senior High, also said the habit caused some problems for him back when he was in school. 

“Sometimes I got in trouble for it, but the teachers got used to it and stopped getting me in trouble. They even wanted me to keep doing it after awhile,” he said. 

Jenkins has performed in some of New Iberia’s biggest events like the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff, as well as most any event that will bring people and music. He said he most recently performed at the Quarter Tavern in New Iberia.

The reception to his dancing is almost always positive, he said, and oftentimes Jenkins will get asked for a picture. 

“When I walked into Gumbo Cookoff last year, they were all staring at me before I even started. I guess my outfit attracted them,” Jenkins said. “After a while I got changed and everybody was like, ‘Oh, it’s Michael, somebody stop that guy, let’s take a picture with Mike.’  

“When I started to perform everybody knew what time it was before the music even started,” he said. “I felt like I was on stage.”

As for why he keeps up with the dancing, Jenkins said it’s all about paying tribute to the great artist and bringing some joy to people in the community. 

“Michael gave me confidence. He taught me a lot of things,” Jenkins said. 

“I even met him when I was younger. I would love to stick with it, and at the same time I know Michael’s looking down and saying, ‘You’re the best. ’”

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