A piece of music and pop culture history has drawn worldwide attention after a single sock—covered in rhinestones and once worn by the late global superstar Michael Jackson—was sold at auction for €7,688 (roughly over US$8,000 or £6,600) in Nîmes, France, on July 30. This unusual memento provides a snapshot into the enduring legacy of an artist whose influence stretches far beyond music.
The sock, reportedly donned by Michael Jackson during his explosive 1997 HIStory World Tour, became a collector’s item almost by accident. According to reports, a backstage technician discovered the accessory after the show while clearing equipment. Rather than discarding it, the crew member preserved the artifact, safeguarding it for nearly three decades in a display frame.
Despite the item’s humble origins, the auction house initially predicted the sock would sell for between €3,000 and €4,000. In the end, it fetched nearly double the upper estimate, reflecting both the unique nature of the piece and the global devotion to Jackson’s memory. For context, this sum exceeds four million naira, underscoring how prized memorabilia from global stars can attract higher prices than many local luxury goods or event tickets in Nigeria.
Time has altered the appearance of the famous sock. Its once-bright fabric is now off-white, and the rhinestones, though still sparkling, show the effects of age. Yet the value lies not in its physical condition but in its historical association—especially since Jackson is believed to have worn it while performing “Billie Jean,” the song forever linked to his legendary moonwalk. For many, this dance move inspired countless aspiring dancers in Nigeria, Ghana, and across Africa.
According to Nexta’s post on X, the sock was accompanied by a backstage pass from the 1997 gig—another rare artefact that had also remained with the technician. These additional details significantly added to the provenance, providing credibility to the sale and satisfying collectors eager for show business authenticity.
See
https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1950601858440892502
:
During the auction, both the sock and backstage pass, saved by a member of the crew from the Nice concert, were sold as a set. After carefully preserving these items for so many years, the crew member finally parted with the pair—prompting debate among fans about the value of showbiz keepsakes.
Aurore Illy, the auctioneer who handled the sale, described the sock as a “cult object” for Michael Jackson admirers. She emphasized its scarcity and emphasized how direct links to historic moments—like Jackson’s moonwalk—make such collectibles especially treasured. Even with visible age marks, the items were seen as culturally priceless to diehard fans.
Other memorabilia of Michael Jackson
Since Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, memorabilia associated with him has reached impressive prices at auctions globally. The enthusiasm for such items underlines not just Jackson’s worldwide reach, but the way music artifacts connect people across borders—including in Nigeria and West Africa, where Jackson inspired generations of performers and fans.
For example, the glittering glove Jackson wore during his legendary first moonwalk in 1983 was purchased by a casino in Macau, China, for a staggering US$350,000—an amount which would finance several major music events or business ventures in Africa.
In 2023, another iconic item, a hat Jackson wore just before his historic moonwalk performance, was auctioned in Paris for more than US$80,000. Additionally, the black and white leather jacket he sported in a memorable Pepsi advert in the 1980s fetched a remarkable £250,000 at auction. These figures highlight how demand for celebrity memorabilia is undiminished—and how rare, authentic pieces can command extraordinary sums globally.
Credit: @michaeljackson
Source: Twitter
Although Jackson died at the age of 50 under circumstances reportedly linked to prescription drug use, his artistic and cultural legacy remains a powerful force. His music, style, and humanitarian messages continue to influence singers, dancers, and creatives worldwide—including countless Nigerians and Africans who still emulate his sound, dance moves, and fashion sense.
Michael Jackson’s dirty sock fetches €7,688, reactions
The news of the sock’s high auction price sparked lively debate on social media, with netizens—both locally and globally—offering a mix of humor, disbelief, and nostalgia. Here are some sample reactions:
@diobosco wrote:
A worn sock? Reminds me of the OF girls selling their pant!es. Same sh!t different smell ✌🏻
@Ukraine_Oracle commented:
If only that sock could talk. Poor Michael, he was misunderstood by people who frowned on pedoph!lia
@AnneBenn10 said:
What only one sock where’s the other one?
Locally, some Nigerians and Ghanaians joked about the possibility of holding onto mementos from their own stars—whether from Afrobeats, Nollywood, or sports. Others used it to reflect on the value we place on history, memory, and celebrity culture.
Chris Brown speaks following arrest
Meanwhile, American singer Chris Brown has also made headlines after breaking his silence regarding his arrest in the United Kingdom. Brown was reportedly apprehended in connection with a 2023 incident involving a bottle assault at a nightclub that injured a music producer, Abe Diaw.
Official reports state that Brown was charged with grievous bodily harm related to the altercation in London. He reportedly addressed the matter on social media, posting a cryptic message on Instagram that hinted at a possible musical comeback, but did not directly address the allegations.
The incident fueled renewed discussion in African pop circles about legal issues and public image management among musicians. Many fans reflected on how global artists—no matter their reach or success—must navigate public scrutiny and legal challenges, sometimes affecting how fans perceive their talents back home.
The global market for celebrity memorabilia continues to grow, reminding West Africans of how powerful musical legacies can become, even through a single worn sock. For many, the lesson is clear: what might seem like a small token can become a valuable link to cultural history.
Would you pay millions for an item tied to your favourite musician or actor? What Nigerian or African star would you want to see honored this way? Drop your comments below and let us know your thoughts!
Got a music, celebrity, or viral story to share—or perhaps you have a star’s memorabilia or personal story? We’d love to feature your tale! Email us at story@nowahalazone.com to submit your story or discuss story sales.
For any general questions or support, reach out to us at support@nowahalazone.com.
Like vibing to entertainment gist, pop culture, and more? Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for the latest trends and updates in Nigeria, Ghana, and across Africa.
Don’t miss the conversation—join our community and make your voice heard!
