Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson (born July 25, 1996) is an American singer, dancer, and actor. He is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve, and the nephew of Michael, Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Randy Rebbie, LaToya and Janet Jackson.
Jaafar Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson July 25, 1996 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Father | Jermaine Jackson |
| Relatives | Rebbie Jackson (aunt) Jackie Jackson (uncle) Tito Jackson (uncle) La Toya Jackson (aunt) Marlon Jackson (uncle) Michael Jackson (uncle) Randy Jackson (uncle) Janet Jackson (aunt) |
| Family | Jackson |
Jackson has appeared in music videos and was featured in The Jacksons: Next Generation. He released his debut single "Got Me Singing" in 2019. He will make his film debut by portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the upcoming film Michael.
Early life
editJaafar Jackson was born in Franklin, LA on July 25, 1996. His father is Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson family and his mother is Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who previously dated Randy Jackson.[1] He started singing and dancing at the age of 12.[2] He also had aspirations to become a professional golf player.[3] In 2010, when he was thirteen, Jackson's family was investigated by police and child protection officers in Encino, Los Angeles after he purchased a stun gun online.[4][5][6]
Career
editJackson has covered songs by Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. In 2019, he released his first single, "Got Me Singing". He appeared in Jackson-related projects including The Jacksons: Next Generation and Tito Jackson music video "Love One Another" in 2021.[7] According to Empire, he "established a social media presence as a talented singer and dancer".[8]
After a two-year casting process,[9] Jackson was cast in the lead role of his uncle Michael Jackson in an upcoming biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate.[10] Michael's mother Katherine Jackson was quoted as approving of the casting, saying he "embodies" her son.[11][12] Jaafar himself wrote on his personal Instagram account that he was "humbled and honored" to be cast in the role.[13] Principal photography began on the film on November 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.[14] Footage of Jackson playing the role emerged online shortly afterwards.[15][16]
Personal life
editJackson has a brother, Jermajesty Jermaine Jackson (b. 2000), and a number of half-siblings from his parents' previous relationships.[17] Jackson said he is inspired by his musical family, as well as artists like Bruno Mars, Frank Sinatra, and Stevie Wonder.[18]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| † | Denotes works that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Michael † | Michael Jackson | Post-production[19] |
Music videos
edit| Year | Song | Performer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Got Me Singing | Himself |
| 2021 | Love One Another | Tito Jackson feat. Marlon Jackson |
Discography
editSingles
edit| Song | Release date |
|---|---|
| Got Me Signing | 28 June 2019 |
| Confused | 8 May 2020 |
References
edit- ^ Alexander, Martha (31 January 2023). "Jaafar Jackson: who is Michael Jackson's nephew set to play singer in biopic?". Evening Standard. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (30 January 2023). "Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Play King Of Pop In Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ Thompson, Avery (January 30, 2023). "Jaafar Jackson: 5 Things To Know About Michael Jackson's Nephew, 26, Playing Him In Biopic". Hollywood Life. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Goldman, Russell (March 2010). "Jackson Nephew, 13, Investigated for Playing with Stun Gun". ABC News. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ "Are Michael Jackson's Children Safe? Questions Raised After Stun Gun Incident". ABC News. March 2, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ Hyde, Marina (4 March 2010). "Jackson family latest: who stun-gunned Blanket?". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Earnes, Tom (31 January 2023). "Who is Jaafar Jackson? Michael Jackson's nephew set to play King of Pop in biopic revealed". Smooth Radio. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar To Play The Singer In New Biopic". Empire. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Parkel, Inga (30 January 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic cast singer's nephew Jaafar Jackson in lead role". Independent. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star in Biopic 'Michael'". Variety. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ Legaspi, Althea (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star as Late Singer in Biopic". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ McIntosh, Steven (1 February 2023). "Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play him in biopic". BBC News. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Southern, Kieran (31 January 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic will star his nephew Jaafar in title role". The Times. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ "Jaafar Jackson looks exactly like Michael Jackson while shooting for biopic".
- ^ Ruimy, Jordan (30 November 2023). "Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson Biopic Starts Filming in L.A." World of Reel. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Todisco, Eric (November 29, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar, 27, Looks Just Like His Late Uncle While Filming Biopic: Watch". Hollywood Life. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Caruso, Skyler (30 January 2023). "All About Michael Jackson's Nephew, Jaafar Jackson, Who Will Play the King of Pop in a New Biopic". People. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ Salman, Peerzada (February 18, 2020). "Like uncle like nephew… a bit". Dawn.com. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (October 3, 2023). "Lionsgate's Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' To Be Released Internationally By Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 15, 2023.