Jaafar Jackson
Jaafar Jackson isn't just a name; he carries a legendary musical legacy as the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the iconic King of Pop. He's carving out his own path as a talented singer and dancer, now poised for a monumental challenge: portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, on the big screen. This ambitious role could solidify his place in the entertainment world, building on a family heritage unlike any other. Jaafar Jackson is a member of the iconic Jackson family, with deep roots in music and entertainment. He has developed his own career as a singer and dancer, releasing original music and appearing in family-related projects. Jackson is set to make his major film debut portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic, a role approved by his grandmother, Katherine Jackson.
AI Summary
Jaafar Jackson isn't just a name; he carries a legendary musical legacy as the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the iconic King of Pop. He's carving out his own path as a talented singer and dancer, now poised for a monumental challenge: portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, on the big screen. This ambitious role could solidify his place in the entertainment world, building on a family heritage unlike any other.
- Jaafar Jackson is a member of the iconic Jackson family, with deep roots in music and entertainment.
- He has developed his own career as a singer and dancer, releasing original music and appearing in family-related projects.
- Jackson is set to make his major film debut portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic, a role approved by his grandmother, Katherine Jackson.
The Next Generation Jackson
Born Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, he arrived into one of the most famous musical dynasties in the world. His father is Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, instantly connecting Jaafar to a heritage of rhythm and soul.
A Family Affair
His mother is Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, and his family ties run even deeper—she also has children with Jaafar's uncle, Randy Jackson. This intricate family web meant that music and performance were practically in his DNA, a constant presence from birth.
From a young age, Jaafar showed a natural inclination towards the arts, starting to sing and dance at just 12 years old. Interestingly, for a time, he also harbored aspirations of becoming a professional golfer, showcasing a diverse range of talents.
Stepping into the Spotlight
His first major public foray into entertainment came in 2015 when he was a main cast member in the reality show 'Living with the Jacksons'. This offered viewers a glimpse into the daily life of the extended Jackson family, with Jaafar front and center.
He continued to hone his craft, making appearances in other family-related projects like 'The Jacksons: Next Generation'. By then, his undeniable talent as a singer and dancer was already building a strong following across social media platforms.
Forging His Own Path in Music
In 2019, Jaafar took a significant step in his solo career, releasing his debut single, 'Got Me Singing'. This original track allowed him to showcase his unique vocal style and musical sensibility, separate from his family's iconic sound.
Beyond his own music, Jaafar has demonstrated his versatility by covering songs from musical giants like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, paying homage to the artists who paved the way. He also appeared in Tito Jackson's 2021 music video, 'Love One Another', alongside other notable performers.
His musical journey includes more than just one single; he released another track, 'Confused', in May 2020. These releases underscore his commitment to carving out a distinct identity in the music world, even amidst his family's legendary shadow.
Song Release date Got Me Singing June 28, 2019 Confused May 8, 2020
The King of Pop's Legacy, Reimagined
After an intense, two-year global casting process, a monumental announcement came in December 2023: Jaafar Jackson was chosen to portray his uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic. This role represents a unique opportunity, and perhaps an immense challenge, to embody one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
The film, simply titled 'Michael', is directed by the acclaimed Antoine Fuqua and will be distributed by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures. Such a high-profile production speaks to the magnitude of the story they aim to tell and the confidence placed in Jaafar.
The casting received a powerful endorsement from within the family itself. Michael's mother and Jaafar's grandmother, Katherine Jackson, expressed her approval, stating that he 'embodies' her son. This blessing from the matriarch undoubtedly added significant weight and validity to the decision.
Jaafar himself shared his profound feelings on his personal Instagram account, writing that he was 'humbled and honoured' to be entrusted with such an iconic role. It's a role that requires not just resemblance, but an understanding of Michael's essence as a performer.
Principal photography for 'Michael' commenced on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles. Soon after, footage of Jaafar fully immersed in the role, meticulously recreating his uncle's distinctive moves and presence, began to emerge online, thrilling fans worldwide.
Beyond the Stage
Jaafar is part of a large and vibrant family. He has a younger brother, Jermajesty Jermaine Jackson, born in 2000, and several half-siblings from his parents' previous relationships, further expanding the vast Jackson lineage.
Interestingly, family portrayals aren't new within the Jackson clan. One of Jaafar's half-brothers, Jermaine LaJuane 'Jay' Jackson Jr., had previously portrayed their father, Jermaine, in the 1992 miniseries 'The Jacksons: An American Dream'—foreshadowing Jaafar's current role.
Influences and Inspirations
When it comes to his own artistic journey, Jaafar draws inspiration not only from his incredible musical family but also from a diverse array of other legends. He looks to artists who have shaped various eras of music for guidance.
Inspiration Bruno Mars Frank Sinatra Stevie Wonder
A Teenager's Misstep
In early 2010, when Jaafar was 13, his family faced an investigation by police and child protection officers in Encino, Los Angeles. This occurred after he reportedly purchased a stun gun online, an incident that briefly brought unwanted attention to the family.
Article
Jaafar Jackson
Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson ( jə-FAR; born July 25, 1996) is an American actor and singer. A member of the Jackson family, he released his debut single "Got Me Singing" in 2019 but gained popularity for portraying his uncle Michael Jackson in the record-breaking biographical film Michael (2026) which grossed over $1 billion globally.
Early life
Jaafar Jackson
Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson was born on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, the son of Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson family and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Through both of his parents, he has 11 siblings–nine brothers and two sisters.
Career
Jaafar Jackson
In 2015, Jackson was a main cast member in the filming of his family's reality show Living with the Jacksons. He has covered songs by Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye; in 2019 he released his first single, "Got Me Singing". The single was originally associated with a full‑length unreleased album titled Famous. Jackson stated that he produced the album throughout 2019 and, during his visit to Pakistan in February 2020, suggested it would be released in May or June of that year. It was also announced in 2018 that he would collaborate with NASGO—a now-defunct e-commerce and cryptocurrency platform—to tokenize copies of Famous; however, the album release was eventually cancelled following the termination of his partnership with NASGO, allowing him to focus on acting. He appeared in Jackson-related projects, including The Jacksons: Next Generation and the music video for Tito Jackson's 2021 single "Love One Another". According to Empire, he "established a social media presence as a talented singer and dancer".
After a two-year casting process, it was confirmed in December 2023 that Jackson had been cast in the lead role of his uncle Michael Jackson in Michael, a biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate in the United States and by Universal Pictures internationally. Michael's mother and Jackson's grandmother, Katherine Jackson, expressed approval of the casting, stating that he "embodies" her son. Jackson wrote on Instagram that he was "humbled and honored" to be chosen for the role. Principal photography began on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles, and footage of Jackson on set appeared online shortly afterward.
Michael was released in April 2026. Its $217 million opening made it the highest‑grossing debut ever for a biographical film. Although the film received negative reviews from critics and praise from audiences overall, Jackson's performance was acclaimed by critics. In June, it became the highest‑grossing biopic of all time, earning $977 million worldwide, and it surpassed $1 billion at the box office in July. This made him the first lead actor to debut with over $1 billion.
In August 2026, it was announced that Jackson had been cast in the action thriller Supermax, alongside Will Smith and AnnaSophia Robb.
Personal life
Jaafar Jackson
Jackson is of African-American and Hispanic descent. He has a younger brother, Jermajesty Jermaine Jackson (born 2000), in addition to several half-siblings from his parents' previous relationships. One of his half-brothers, Jermaine LaJaune "Jay" Jackson Jr. (born January 27, 1977), portrayed their father in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, a biographical film about the Jackson family. Jackson has said he is inspired by his musical family, as well as by Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder.
In early 2010, when he was 13, Jackson's family was investigated by police and child protection officers in Encino, Los Angeles, after he purchased a stun gun online. Jaafar also wore a clothing line called Candy Fresh in the Nickelodeon Choice Awards by the artist Gepetto Jackson. Jackson is engaged to Maddie Simpson; the couple have been together since 2016.
Jackson grew up in a Muslim household; in early 2020, he traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by millions of Muslims each year.
In April 2026, Jackson was honored during a Michael ceremony in Gary, Indiana, where he received the key to the city from Mayor Eddie Melton.
Jackson cites actors Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Christian Bale as his inspirations, noting that he studied their work ethic and performances while preparing for his acting debut.
Filmography
Jaafar Jackson
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2026</td><td>Michael</td><td>Michael Jackson</td><td>Debut film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TBA</td><td>Supermax †</td><td>TBA</td><td>Filming</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TBA</td><td>Michael 2 †</td><td>Michael Jackson</td><td>Pre-Production</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Discography
Singles
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2019</td><td>"Got Me Singing"</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>"Confused"</td></tr></tbody></table>
Music videos
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Song</th><th>Performer(s)</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2019</td><td>"Got Me Singing"</td><td>Himself</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>"Love One Another"</td><td>Tito Jackson</td><td>Guest appearance</td></tr></tbody></table>
Awards
Jaafar Jackson
<table><thead><tr><th>Award</th><th>Year</th><th>Work</th><th>Category</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Astra Midseason Movie Awards</td><td rowspan="3">2026</td><td rowspan="3">Michael</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">National Film Awards</td><td>Outstanding Performance</td><td>Won</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td>Best Newcomer</td><td>Won</td></tr></tbody></table>