Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 6, 2026

Jaafar Jackson

Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson 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 late uncle Michael Jackson in the record-breaking biographical film Michael (2026).

Last revised
Aug 6, 2026
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≈ 8 min
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Jaafar Jackson
Jackson in 2020
Born
Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson

(1996-07-25) July 25, 1996
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
  • dancer
Years active2015–present
Partner(s)Maddie Simpson (2016–present; engaged)
Parents
FamilyJackson

Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson (/dʒəˈfɑːr/ 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 late uncle Michael Jackson in the record-breaking biographical film Michael (2026).

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.12 Through both of his parents, he has 11 siblings–nine brothers and two sisters.345

Career

In 2015, 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".7 The single was originally associated with a full‑length, unreleased album titled Famous. Jackson stated that he had produced the album throughout 2019 and, during his visit to Pakistan in February 2020, suggested the album would be released in May or June of that year.8 It was also previously announced in 2018 that he would be collaborating with NASGO—a now-defunct e-commerce and cryptocurrency platform—in order to tokenize copies of Famous;9 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".10 According to Empire, he "established a social media presence as a talented singer and dancer".11

After a two-year casting process,12 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.13 Michael's mother and Jackson's grandmother, Katherine Jackson, expressed approval of the casting, stating that he "embodies" her son.1415 Jackson wrote on his personal Instagram that he was "humbled and honored" to be chosen for the role.16 Principal photography began on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles.17 Footage of Jackson on set appeared online shortly afterward.18 Michael was released in April 2026. Its $217 million opening made it the highest‑grossing debut ever for a biographical film.19 Although the film received negative reviews from critics and praise from audiences overall, Jackson's performance was acclaimed by critics.20 In June, it became the highest‑grossing biopic of all time, earning $977 million worldwide,21 and it surpassed $1 billion at the box office in July.22

In August 2026, it was announced that Jackson had been cast in the action thriller Supermax, alongside Will Smith and AnnaSophia Robb.23

Personal life

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.24 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. He said he is inspired by his musical family, as well as by Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder.25

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.262728 Jackson is engaged to Maddie Simpson, who he has been dating since 2016.29

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. Photos and videos from the journey were shared on social media.30

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.31

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.32

Filmography

Key
† Denotes productions that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2026 Michael Michael Jackson Debut film 33
TBA Supermax † – Filming 3435

Discography

Singles

Year Title
2019 "Got Me Singing"36
2020 "Confused"3738

Music videos

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

Awards

Awards and nominations received by Jaafar Jackson
Award Year Work Category Result Ref.
Astra Midseason Movie Awards 2026 Michael Best Actor Won 39
National Film Awards Outstanding Performance Won 40
Best Newcomer Won
References

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 (January 31, 2023). "Jaafar Jackson: who is Michael Jackson's nephew set to play singer in biopic?". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 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. (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Play King Of Pop In Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 6, 2025. Retrieved November 15, 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 December 1, 2023.
  6. Walsten, Jessika (July 12, 2014). "Bursting the Bubble: The Jackson Family Adjusts to Life After Hayvenhurst #TCA14". Broadcasting+Cable. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  7. "Jaafar Jackson makes his debut to the world on the dance-worthy "Got Me Singing" [Video] – EARMILK". Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  8. Jackson Source (March 26, 2024). Jaafar Jackson Reflects on his Journey in Pakistan with ARY News (2020). Retrieved July 15, 2026 – via YouTube.
  9. Jackson Source (September 8, 2018). Jaafar Jackson @ Cheddar News (2018). Retrieved July 15, 2026 – via YouTube.
  10. Earnes, Tom (January 31, 2023). "Who is Jaafar Jackson? Michael Jackson's nephew set to play King of Pop in biopic revealed". Smooth Radio. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  11. "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar To Play The Singer In New Biopic". Empire. January 30, 2023. Archived from the original on January 15, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  12. Parkel, Inga (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic cast singer's nephew Jaafar Jackson in lead role". Independent. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  13. Rubin, Rebecca (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star in Biopic 'Michael'". Variety. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  14. Legaspi, Althea (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star as Late Singer in Biopic". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  15. McIntosh, Steven (February 1, 2023). "Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play him in biopic". BBC News. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  16. Southern, Kieran (January 31, 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic will star his nephew Jaafar in title role". The Times. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  17. "Jaafar Jackson looks exactly like Michael Jackson while shooting for biopic".
  18. 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 July 29, 2024. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  19. McIntosh, Steven (April 27, 2026). "Michael Jackson biopic smashes box office record". BBC News. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  20. 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.
  21. Rubin, Rebecca (June 28, 2026). "'Michael' Surpasses 'Oppenheimer' as Highest-Grossing Biopic With $977 Million Worldwide". Variety. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
  22. Raposas, Rachel (July 14, 2025). "Michael, Already the Highest-Grossing Biopic of All Time, Crosses the $1B Mark at the Box Office". People. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  23. Grobar, Matt (August 3, 2026). "Jaafar Jackson Joins Will Smith In Action Thriller 'Supermax'". Deadline. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
  24. Caruso, Skyler (January 30, 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 April 1, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  25. Salman, Peerzada (February 18, 2020). "Like uncle like nephew… a bit". Dawn.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  26. Goldman, Russell (March 2, 2010). "Jackson Nephew, 13, Investigated for Playing with Stun Gun". ABC News. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  27. "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.
  28. Hyde, Marina (March 4, 2010). "Jackson family latest: who stun-gunned Blanket?". The Guardian. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  29. 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.
  30. Team, Mille (April 28, 2026). "Who is Jaafar Jackson? 5 Facts About Michael Jackson's Nephew". MILLE WORLD. Retrieved July 30, 2026.
  31. Ryan, Jim (April 24, 2026). "The Legacy Of Michael Jackson Pondered Anew As Michael Hits Theaters". Forbes. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  32. Blair, Caroline (April 25, 2026). "Is Jaafar Jackson Really Singing as Michael Jackson in the King of Pop's Biopic?". People. Retrieved July 17, 2026.
  33. 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.
  34. Ahonsi, Victor (August 3, 2026). "Jaafar Jackson Lands First Major Role After "Michael" Success, Joins Will Smith in "Supermax"". Style Rave | The Ultimate Style Guide. Retrieved August 4, 2026.
  35. Tangonan, E. J. (August 3, 2026). "Jaafar Jackson joins Will Smith for the Amazon MGM action film Supermax". JoBlo. Retrieved August 4, 2026.
  36. "Got Me Singing". iTunes. June 28, 2010.
  37. "Spotify – Web Player". Spotify. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
  38. Jaafar Jackson - Confused, May 8, 2020, retrieved May 26, 2026
  39. "Hollywood Creative Alliance Announces Winners of the 2026 Astra Midseason Movie Awards" (Press release). The Astras. June 30, 2026. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  40. "Winners of the 12th Annual National Film Awards 2026". National Film Awards. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
External links