Jaafar Jackson
Jackson in 2020
Born
Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson

(1996-07-25) July 25, 1996 (age 29)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
Years active 2019–present
Partner(s) Maddie Simpson (2016–present; engaged)
Parents
  • Jermaine Jackson
  • Alejandra Oaziaza
Family Jackson
Website Jaafar Jackson

Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson (/dʒəˈfɑːr/ jə-FAHR; 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, and portrayed his uncle Michael Jackson in the 2026 biographical film Michael.

Early life

Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson was born on July 25, 1996 in Los Angeles. He is the son of Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson family and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who was born in Bogotá, Colombia.[1][2] Through both of his parents, he has 11 siblings–nine brothers and two sisters.[3][4][5]

Career

In 2015, Jaafar Jackson was a main cast member in the filming of his family's reality show Living with the Jacksons.[6] He has covered songs by Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye; in 2019 released his first single, "Got Me Singing". The single is associated with a full‑length, unreleased album titled Famous, which was intended to coincide with the release of "Got Me Singing" around 2019–2020 but not issued owing to rejections from record labels, the termination of his partnership with NASGO, and his 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".[7] According to Empire, he "established a social media presence as a talented singer and dancer".[8]

After a two-year casting process,[9] it was confirmed in December 2023 that Jackson had been cast in the lead role of Michael Jackson in Michael, a biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate in the United States and by Universal Pictures internationally.[10] Michael's mother and Jackson's grandmother, Katherine Jackson, expressed approval of the casting, stating that he "embodies" her son.[11][12] Jackson wrote on his personal Instagram that he was "humbled and honored" to be chosen for the role.[13] Principal photography began on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles.[14] Footage of Jackson on set appeared online shortly afterward.[15] Michael was released in April 2026. Its $217 million opening made it the highest‑grossing ever debut for a biographical film.[16] Though the film divided reviewers and audiences, receiving mixed reviews, Jackson's performance was acclaimed by critics.[17]

Jackson was honored during a Michael ceremony in Gary, Indiana. He received the key to the city from Mayor Eddie Melton on April 13, 2026, after a special hometown screening of the film. Jackson said he was grateful.[18]

Personal life

Jackson has a younger brother, Jermajesty Jermaine Jackson (born 2000), in addition to several half-siblings from his parents' previous relationships.[19] 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. Jaafar said he is inspired by his musical family, as well as by Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder.[20]

In early 2010, when he was 13, Jaafar Jackson's family was investigated by police and child protection officers in Encino, Los Angeles, after he purchased a stun gun online.[21][22][23] Jackson and Maddie Simpson have been dating since mid-2016, and the two are engaged.[24]

Jaafar grew up in a Muslim household; in early 2020, Jaafar Jackson traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by millions of Muslims each year. Photos and videos from the journey were shared on social media.[25]

Filmography

Year Title Role Ref.
2026 Michael Michael Jackson [26]

Discography

Singles

Year Title
2019 "Got Me Singing"[27]
2020 "Confused"[28][29]

Music videos

Year Song Performer(s) Notes
2019 "Got Me Singing" Himself
2021 "Love One Another" Tito Jackson Guest appearance

References

  1. ^ "All About Jaafar Jackson's Parents, Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza". People.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  2. ^ Alexander, Martha (31 January 2023). "Jaafar Jackson: who is Michael Jackson's nephew set to play singer in biopic?". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  3. ^ Teller, Miles (April 6, 2026). "Jaafar Jackson Tells Miles Teller How He Unlocked the King of Pop". Interview Magazine. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  4. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (30 January 2023). "Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Play King Of Pop In Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 6 October 2025. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Walsten, Jessika (2014-07-12). "Bursting the Bubble: The Jackson Family Adjusts to Life After Hayvenhurst #TCA14". Broadcasting+Cable. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar To Play The Singer In New Biopic". Empire. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 15 January 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  9. ^ Parkel, Inga (30 January 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic cast singer's nephew Jaafar Jackson in lead role". Independent. Archived from the original on 5 March 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  10. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star in Biopic 'Michael'". Variety. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  11. ^ Legaspi, Althea (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star as Late Singer in Biopic". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  12. ^ McIntosh, Steven (1 February 2023). "Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play him in biopic". BBC News. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  13. ^ Southern, Kieran (31 January 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic will star his nephew Jaafar in title role". The Times. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Jaafar Jackson looks exactly like Michael Jackson while shooting for biopic".
  15. ^ Todisco, Eric (November 29, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar, 27, Looks Just Like His Late Uncle While Filming Biopic: Watch". Hollywood Life. Archived from the original on 29 July 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  16. ^ McIntosh, Steven (April 27, 2026). "Michael Jackson biopic smashes box office record". BBC News. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  17. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (April 21, 2026). "'Michael' Review: The Thrill Is Not Gone, as a Surprisingly Effective Middle-of-the-Road Biopic Conducts Michael Jackson's Electricity". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on April 21, 2026. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  18. ^ "The Legacy Of Michael Jackson Pondered Anew As ‘Michael’ Hits Theaters" Jim Ryan, Contributor, April 25, 2026.
  19. ^ 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. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  20. ^ Salman, Peerzada (February 18, 2020). "Like uncle like nephew… a bit". Dawn.com. Archived from the original on 5 August 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  21. ^ Goldman, Russell (March 2, 2010). "Jackson Nephew, 13, Investigated for Playing with Stun Gun". ABC News. Archived from the original on 3 March 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  22. ^ "Are Michael Jackson's Children Safe? Questions Raised After Stun Gun Incident". ABC News. March 2, 2010. Archived from the original on May 25, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  23. ^ Hyde, Marina (March 4, 2010). "Jackson family latest: who stun-gunned Blanket?". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  24. ^ Banerjee, Urmimala (April 3, 2026). "Jaafar Jackson Gets Grandmom's Nod to Play Uncle Michael Jackson in 'Michael' Biopic: Here's What We Know About Him". Variety India. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  25. ^ Team, Mille (2026-04-28). "Who is Jaafar Jackson? 5 Facts About Michael Jackson's Nephew". MILLE WORLD. Retrieved 2026-06-01.
  26. ^ Grobar, Matt (October 3, 2023). "Lionsgate's Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' To Be Released Internationally By Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  27. ^ "Got Me Singing". iTunes. June 28, 2010.
  28. ^ "Spotify – Web Player". Spotify. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  29. ^ Jaafar Jackson - Confused, 2020-05-08, retrieved 2026-05-26