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Mackson is the man often recognised not as himself, but as top-selling American R&B artist and producer, Ne-Yo.

This is because Mackson is the only Ne-Yo tribute act in the country, and he is proud of it, if only because it means doing what makes him happy: making other people happy.

Mackson’s tribute act is called The So Sick Show - a Tribute to Ne-Yo, and it is soon to be available for everybody to go and enjoy.

After catching up with him, I found out a little more about Mackson, what he does and The So Sick Show.

The perfect solution

After quizzing Mackson on what it actually is, he explained to me that The So Sick Show – a Tribute to Ne-Yo, is a show where he goes around performing and entertaining people from all walks of life who normally wouldn't get a chance to see the superstar himself performing.

This tribute act prides itself on being the affordable, accessible and perfect solution for private party entertainment, which is as close to the real thing as possible.

Mackson performing to his fans.

Now The So Sick Show is bringing its first tribute night to Coventry, as a concert rather than just in the form of private parties. This event is being held as an album launch party, for Ne-Yo's new album, Year of the Gentleman.

Mackson emphasizes that the unique thing about this show is the fact that it's not just one tribute act, which will be on stage, but several.

On Thursday, 18 September, Mackson will be performing at The Escape Bar in Coventry, as Ne-Yo, with supporting acts, Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys tributes.
All the performers are young, aged between 18 and 20, and love to perform, which no doubt shines through their presence on stage.

Already a star

While Mackson loves to perform as Ne-Yo, he is a singer in his own right. He began singing in a Gospel group called the Soulful Gospel Choir.

Mackson's lucky break came just under two years ago, when he met Perry, or more often known as P.Nology, who gave him access to a studio. This resulted in Mackson performing at the Godiva Festival in 2007.

Through the increasing number of festivals and gigs he did, Mackson discovered that throwing in a couple of covers really got people excited. So when he added some more covers as an introduction to his own sets, some people suggested he do a tribute act. And the So Sick Show was born.

Mackson or Ne-Yo?

While many people believe that there are many negative aspects to being an impersonator, Mackson has found none yet. In fact, he gave me a list of a number of perks to the job!

He very often gets recognised when he’s out and about, "and not only in Coventry either!" he admits.

This then leads to his getting a lot of things on half-price, if not even free when he's shopping.

Despite being a music artist in his own right, making it big as himself is not at the top of his priority list, though he wouldn't let the opportunity slip should it appear.
Mackson wants to first get a degree in Psychology and continue to make people happy by entertaining them as he is currently doing. He told me, "I'd like to continue doing this to make people smile and sing along."

And another thing I discovered about the man behind the show, is that he loves eating chicken so much that if he could earn a living doing that, he would. However, he affirmed that he is first and foremost an athlete who prides himself on being one of the top three in the West Midlands in the 100m sprint. Should we keep an eye out in London 2012?

Don't miss it!

Finally, from the man himself, Coventry's very own Ne-Yo, "The So Sick Show Live is going to be an amazing show, so come and check it out!"

The So Sick Show Live will be held on Thursday, 18 September at 8pm at the Escape Bar: The Old Fire Station in Coventry. For more information and details visit their MySpace:Ìý