The Jackson brothers have reunited to accept a lifetime achievement prize at the BMI Urban Awards from sister Janet.

But while Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Randy were present at the ceremony, Michael and Jermaine did not attend.

Asked where Michael was, Marlon Jackson said he did not know. "I think he's in Egypt riding a camel or something," he told the Associated Press.

"It's a great honour to know your music influenced a generation," said Tito. "We're very proud of this moment."

The Jacksons did not perform at the event, also attended by their father Joseph, mother Katherine and sisters LaToya and Rebbie.

'Indelible influence'

The Jackson Five, which comprised Michael, Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, had a string of hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, among them ABC and I Want You Back.

The group became the Jacksons after leaving Motown in 1976, with Randy in place of Jermaine.

They last toured in support of the Victory album in 1984. In 1997 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The BMI Icon award is given to songwriters and artists who have had "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."

Janet, who was never part of the band, is about to start a major arena tour in the US.

But she has hinted that her relationship with record label Def Jam is in trouble after disappointing sales of her recent album, Discipline.

"I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future," she told Billboard magazine.

"I don't know what the future holds between the two of us."