What would have been Michael Jackson's 52nd birthday last weekend has coincided with his becoming officially the world's most downloaded music artist, according to new figures.

The Nokia Ovi Music Store data puts MJ ahead of the likes of Lady GaGa, Elvis Presley, the Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna, according to a report on MTV.

Jackson is most popular in India - where 26 per cent of all Ovi downloads are of his tracks - according to the mobile phone firm.

The surge in popularity of tracks such as 'Beat It', 'Billie Jean' and 'Thriller' has been attributed to the anniversary of his death in June, and last Sunday's birthday date, (29th August.)