Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson (born July 25, 1996) is an American singer, dancer, and actor, set to portray the role of his uncle, Michael Jackson, for Lionsgate’s upcoming biopic, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson was born to Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Oaziaza on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles. His mother previously dated Jermaine's younger brother, Randy.[1] When Jafaar was 12, he started singing and dancing, also having aspirations to become a professional golfer.[2][3]
Career[]
Jackson 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's music video "Love One Another" in 2021. According to Empire, he "established a social media presence as a talented singer and dancer".
Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, was quoted as approving of the casting, saying he "embodies" her son. Jaafar himself wrote on his personal Instagram account that he was "humbled and honoured" to be cast in the role. Principal photography began on the film on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Footage of Jackson playing the role emerged online shortly afterwards.
Michael[]
After a two-year casting process, on January 30, 2023, it was announced that Jaafar was cast as his uncle, Michael, in the upcoming biopic movie, Michael.[4][5] The latter's mother, Katherine, was quoted as approving of the casting, saying he "embodies" her son.[6][7] Jaafar himself wrote on his personal Instagram account that he was "humbled and honoured" to be cast in the role.[8]
| “ | I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. [...] | ” |
–Jaafar Jackson through his social media, January 30, 2023[9] | ||
Jafaar began rehearsing for the production in November.[10] Footage of him playing the role emerged online shortly afterwards.[11][12]
Controversy[]
In early March 2010, the LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) launched an investigation at Hayvenhurst concerning one of the family members supposedly purchasing a stun gun to play with it alongside Michael's children. Jaafar was reported by TMZ as the one who bought the weapon, having played with it for three days. One of the sources even claimed the kids were caught playing with the stun gun while chasing the then-8-year-old Bigi.[13][14][15]
According to Katherine's attorney, Adam Streisand, "Jaafar ordered only one taser online, opened the package alone in the bathroom, and tested it on a piece of paper." He added that the security confiscated the taser as soon as they heard it, and neither of Michael's children ever saw it, except for Prince.[13]
Discography[]
Singles[]
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| "Got Me Singing" | June 28, 2019 |
Filmography[]
| Title | Role | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Michael | Michael Jackson | 2026[16] |
Gallery[]
Images[]
Michael[]
Behind-the-scenes[]
Videos[]
Trivia[]
- Jaafar made an appearance on stage alongside Michael during the September 7, 2001 show of the 30th Anniversary Celebration.
References[]
- ↑ Jaafar Jackson: who is Michael Jackson’s nephew set to play singer in biopic?
- ↑ Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Play King Of Pop In Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic
- ↑ Jaafar Jackson: 5 Things To Know About Michael Jackson’s Nephew, 26, Playing Him In Biopic
- ↑ Michael Jackson biopic cast singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in lead role
- ↑ Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar to Star in Biopic ‘Michael’
- ↑ Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar to Star as Late Singer in Biopic
- ↑ Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play him in biopic
- ↑ Michael Jackson biopic will star his nephew Jaafar in title role
- ↑ https://twitter.com/JaafarJackson/status/1620106791576272896
- ↑ Jaafar Jackson looks exactly like Michael Jackson while shooting for biopic
- ↑ Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson Biopic Starts Filming in L.A.
- ↑ Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar, 27, Looks Just Like His Late Uncle While Filming Biopic: Watch
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Jackson Nephew, 13, Investigated for Playing with Stun Gun
- ↑ Are Michael Jackson's Children Safe? Questions Raised After Stun Gun Incident
- ↑ Jackson family latest: who stun-gunned Blanket?
- ↑ Michael Jackson Biopic at Lionsgate Likely to Be Pushed Deep Into 2026