How Jaafar Jackson Prepared to Play Michael Jackson

How Jaafar Jackson Prepared to Play Michael Jackson

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at how Jaafar Jackson prepared to play his uncle, Michael.

The 2026 biopic “Michael” marks the cinematic acting debut of Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. When the casting announcement was made in late 2023, the word “nepotism” came up more than once across social media, especially considering that Michael Jackson’s estate was already playing a significant role behind the scenes. Jaafar wasn’t merely handed the part, however. According to Jackson, he “really had to earn the role and prove to the filmmakers that [he] was capable of becoming Michael.” Jackson would do so throughout a two-year audition process before officially landing the role. Going back further, one could argue that Jaafar was preparing to play Michael without even realizing it.

Born on July 25, 1996, Jaafar was on the verge of turning thirteen when his uncle suddenly passed away on June 25, 2009. Reflecting on Michael in a 2017 interview, Jaafar said that his “most cherished” memory of him was playing hide and seek at Neverland. Although many have questioned what supposedly happened between Michael and minors at the Neverland Ranch, Jaafar defended his uncle, saying, “he was always so kind and caring. A lot of people misunderstood him.” Jaafar would only get to see Michael perform once when the Jacksons celebrated their 30th anniversary. He recalled in 2024, “Just seeing the fans’ reactions and the energy, that really inspired me to be in the music.”

Despite coming from one of the music industry’s most famous families, Jaafar initially considered pursuing a career in professional golf, competing in tournaments at age nine. Jaafar was drawn to music, though, when his father had him listen to the Jackson 5’s 1973 cover of “Touch.” Jaafar said in a 2020 interview, “Growing up, I didn’t know that I could sing. Golf was my only passion, and it was all I ever wanted to do until my father discovered the musical side of me.” At age 12, Jaafar performed “Touch” in the living room. From there, he became increasingly interested in singing, dancing, and songwriting. One can’t help but wonder if the death of his uncle around this time also factored into his shifting focus to music.

In any case, the book had closed one Jackson’s story while another was starting a new chapter. Where Michael had been performing publicly since age six, Jaafar wasn’t pushed into the spotlight at a young age. One of Jackson's earliest screen appearances was in 2010 on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Winfrey interviewed Michael’s mother, Katherine, and other members of his family about the King of Pop’s death and complicated legacy. The then-teenage Jaafar didn’t have a one-on-one with Oprah, but he was introduced to her along with the other Jackson family kids. Most of the questions were directed at Michael’s children during this group talk. When Winfrey asked whether all the Jackson kids were in show business though, Jaafar mentioned that he sings.

In 2014, Jaafar was to appear in the six-part reality series, “Living with the Jacksons.” Despite all of the episodes being filmed, only minimal footage was released. Jaafar briefly popped up on another reality show, “The Jacksons: Next Generation.” Over the following years, Jaafar pursued modeling. He also gave his first live performances, including one at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Yet, Jaafar wouldn’t truly take center stage until 2019, releasing his first single, “Got Me Singing.” Both the song, which Jaafar wrote, and its music video, which was shot in Brazil, are in the spirit of his South American heritage on his mother’s side. While the tune stands out with a Brazilian funk sound, you could also sense Michael’s influence in Jaafar’s singing and dance moves.

A few months after the song’s debut, news broke that Graham King would be producing a film on Michael Jackson’s life. As the “Michael” biopic entered early development, Jaafar continued his music career, releasing another single, “Confused.” In 2021, he’d show up in the music video for his uncle Tito Jackson’s song, “Love One Another.” Several other big names were featured in the video, including Stevie Wonder. Jaafar also had his own album entitled “Famous” in the works, but it’s yet to be released. Meanwhile, the film found its director in Antoine Fuqua, but there was still the question of who would play Michael. An open casting call commenced, and Jaafar was among the candidates. Jaafar shared a physical resemblance to his uncle, but could he embody him?

Fuqua had his initial doubts, but he was quickly impressed by Jaafar’s musical talents. Reflecting on his first meeting with Jaafar, King said he “was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael. It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.” Jaafar was officially cast after two years. That said, Jaafar didn’t become Michael overnight. He’d undergo months of choreography training with Rich+Tone. Rich+Tone worked with the real Michael Jackson. They’d even win a Tony, along with Christopher Wheeldon, for Best Choreography on the 2021 stage production, “MJ the Musical.”

In addition to nailing Mike’s moves, Jaafar had to get his voice down. The movie isn’t without Jackson’s original recordings, but Jaafar would do much of his own singing during the rehearsal sequences. Although many of the Jacksons have a similar voice, Jaafar said that his “sits lower than [his] uncle Michael’s.” Wanting to avoid lip-syncing, Jaafar studied breath placement and diaphragm control to master the physics of Michael’s voice. The ultimate test came during the “Man in the Mirror” sequence. Jaafar was caught off guard when Fuqua suddenly cut the music. He kept singing live, hitting the high notes for nearly three minutes. All the while, the crew was left stunned. For Jaafar, it was as if he’d tapped into a “cellular memory.”

In becoming Michael, Jaafar said, “Essentially, it was starting at the roots and finding the authenticity.” According to Katherine Jackson, Jaafar succeeded, saying that he “embodies [her] son.” While Jaafar is “humbled and honoured” to play his uncle, he reportedly seeks to avoid the pitfalls of fame that led to his demise. As one insider put it, “I think this kid is ready for the attention, and even the controversy, that this movie is going to bring. He’s levelheaded, he’s focused, and most importantly, he’s absolutely awesome in the movie.” In addition to acting, Jaafar has expressed interest in directing and perhaps going on a stadium world tour. For now, “Michael” seems bound to make Jaafar Jackson one of 2026’s breakout stars.

Are you looking forward to seeing Jaafar Jackson play Michael? Let us know in the comments.