Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time”: A Bold Tribute To Black Africans In Ancient Egypt

In the early 1990s, pop icon Michael Jackson took an unprecedented step in mainstream media history: he created a cinematic music video that honoured the greatness of Black Africans in ancient Egypt. With “Remember the Time”, Jackson offered a powerful, visually stunning portrayal of Kemetic civilization—commonly referred to as ancient Egypt—and placed Black excellence at the centre of this cultural narrative. At a time when mainstream representations of ancient Egypt were overwhelmingly whitewashed, Jackson’s creative decision was both revolutionary and deeply personal.

“Remember the Time”, released in 1992 as part of Jackson’s Dangerous album, was more than just a music video. It was a short film, a statement, and a celebration of Black heritage. Set in a vibrant, reimagined version of ancient Kemet, the video featured an all-Black cast of stars, including supermodel Iman as Queen, Eddie Murphy as Pharaoh, and basketball legend Magic Johnson as the royal herald. Michael Jackson played a mystical storyteller who wins the favour of the queen through his magical dance and charisma.

The production was visually rich, adorned with gold, hieroglyphics, and regal costuming that mirrored the majesty of ancient African royalty. More importantly, it directly challenged the persistent erasure of Black African identity in historical depictions of Egypt. This was no coincidence; Jackson had deliberately envisioned a project that would restore the rightful legacy of ancient Black African civilizations to global audiences.

Behind the scenes, however, Jackson’s bold vision met resistance. Despite his immense global success, he struggled to secure support from some of his closest industry friends, including Steven Spielberg and David Geffen. Both men—Hollywood titans—allegedly refused to help with the project. According to reports, their lack of enthusiasm stemmed from the video’s unapologetic focus on Black identity and history. Rather than compromise his vision, Jackson chose to finance the entire production himself, an act that demonstrated not only his artistic independence but also his commitment to celebrating African heritage.

Jackson’s decision to self-fund “Remember the Time” proved pivotal. With a budget estimated at over $2 million—a massive figure for a music video at the time—it became one of the most expensive and cinematic productions in pop history. Directed by John Singleton, the acclaimed Black filmmaker behind Boyz n the Hood, the video was a rare collaboration that brought Black storytelling to the forefront of a global pop platform.

The cultural significance of the video cannot be overstated. At a time when Hollywood continued to erase or downplay the African roots of Egypt, Jackson’s visual homage stood out as a powerful correction. It presented ancient Egypt not as a mythological land of ambiguous ethnicity, but as a sophisticated African civilisation led by Black rulers, priests, and visionaries. For many viewers, especially Black audiences around the world, this was the first time they had seen themselves reflected in the grandeur of antiquity on such a mainstream stage.

Beyond the visuals, “Remember the Time” also symbolised Jackson’s broader interest in African culture and history. Throughout his career, he often incorporated African rhythms, motifs, and political messages into his music. He donated millions to African charities, visited the continent multiple times, and frequently spoke about the beauty and strength of African people. The music video thus reflected not only a historic correction but also a deeply personal statement from Jackson himself.

In hindsight, the decision to portray ancient Egyptians as Black Africans in “Remember the Time” was one of the most radical moves in Jackson’s career. It served as both an artistic triumph and a political act. At a time when popular media still distanced Egypt from its African roots, Jackson placed that heritage front and centre—and he did so with elegance, conviction, and global impact.

Today, more than three decades later, “Remember the Time” remains a cultural touchstone. It is frequently cited in academic discussions about race and representation in media, and it continues to inspire artists and thinkers who seek to reclaim African history. Michael Jackson’s unwavering dedication to honouring Black identity helped pave the way for more authentic and diverse narratives in entertainment.

In the world of pop culture, few moments have had such enduring significance. Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” wasn’t just a music video—it was a love letter to the forgotten kings and queens of Africa, a bold reimagining of history, and a reminder that Black excellence has always been worthy of celebration.