NEED TO KNOW
Jaafar Jackson is following in some very famous footsteps.
He’ll play his uncle, Michael Jackson in Lionsgate’s new biopic Michael, which comes from director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” Fuqua said in a statement to Variety in January 2023. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
According to the studio, the biopic will explore all aspects of the late icon’s life, “including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.” In addition to detailing his legacy, it also won’t shy away from Michael’s controversies, according to Deadline.
Michael premieres worldwide on April 24, 2026. Fans got a glimpse of Jaafar in the role during the November 2025 teaser trailer, which showed the first footage of the young star replicating his uncle’s iconic choreography.
Here’s everything to know about Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
His dad is Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother
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Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. The couple, who was married from 1995 to 2003, welcomed Jaafar in July 1996.
Jermaine is a singer, songwriter and producer best known for being a member of the Jackson 5 alongside his brother Michael.
He’s a rising singer
JaafarJacksonVEVO/YouTube
Jaafar has been singing and dancing since age 12, according to Deadline, and has showcased himself covering artists such as Sam Cooke to Marvin Gaye, along with originals.
In 2019, he released his first single, “Got Me Singing,” along with a music video that displays his talents.
Michael will mark his acting debut
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Jaafar is no stranger to the screen, having appeared in a number of family-oriented projects over the years, including 2015’s The Jacksons: Next Generation and Tito Jackson’s 2021 music video “Love One Another.”
But Michael marks Jaafar’s acting debut.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” Fuqua told Variety. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
He has the approval of Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine
People Picture/Shutterstock
Jaafar already has the stamp of approval from the person who knows Michael best: his mom.
Katherine Jackson, the King of Pop’s mother, said that Jaafar “embodies” her son.
“It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
He’s ‘honored’ to play Michael Jackson
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In January 2023, Jaafar uploaded a photo to his Instagram announcing the Michael casting news.
“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” he captioned a black and white image of himself striking the late singer’s iconic pose. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he added.
