Meet Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle Michael Jackson in the late star’s biopic
Jaafar is the son of Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine and stars in the highly anticipated film, Michael, which just premiered in the US
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is proving to be the perfect person to play his great uncle, as images and clips of him starring in director Antoine Fuqua’s highly anticipated biopic, Michael, came out ahead of the movie’s US premiere on April 24.
The 29-year-old, whose starring role in the biopic was announced in January 2023, bears an uncanny resemblance to his late uncle – and the internet has taken note. Several comments under Jaafar’s Instagram posts comment on his likeness to the late superstar. “That’s literally Michael … He embodied what’s already in his blood. Greatness,” one user wrote.
Here’s everything you need to know about Jaafar Jackson as he makes his acting debut.
He is a member of the famous Jackson family
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s older brother, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. His parents were married from 1995 to 2003.
Jaafar’s father was famously part of The Jackson 5. His aunts include Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, and Joh’Vonnie Jackson, while his uncles include Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Randy Jackson.
He has been singing and dancing since he was 12
Performing is in the Jackson family genes – and Jaafar is no exception. Per Deadline, he’s been singing and dancing since he was just 12 years old, showcasing himself singing covers of songs by artists like Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. He released his first single “Got Me Singing” in 2019.