Jaafar Jackson stepped into the global spotlight when he was cast to portray his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the 2026 biopic Michael. Born into the legendary Jackson family, Jaafar had largely kept a low profile as a singer and dancer before landing the role of a lifetime. Now with the film breaking box office records, interest in his background, personal life, and career has surged.
He is the son of Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. At 29 years old, Jaafar has gone from releasing a debut single in 2019 to headlining one of the most anticipated music biopics in recent memory. The journey has put him under intense public scrutiny, with fans eager to learn more about the man behind the iconic role.
Who Is Jaafar Jackson? Background and Family
Jaafar Jeromy Jackson
July 25, 1996 (age 29), Los Angeles, California
Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza
Portraying Michael Jackson in the biopic Michael (2026)
Key insights about Jaafar Jackson:
- He is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, making him a nephew of Michael Jackson.
- He was cast to play Michael Jackson after a two‑year search, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
- His debut single Got Me Singing was released in 2019, but he remained relatively low‑profile until the biopic announcement.
- He grew up in a Muslim household and performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia in early 2020.
- His net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates are speculative due to his family background and limited career data.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Father | Jermaine Jackson (singer, Jackson 5 member) |
| Mother | Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza (born in Bogotá, Colombia) |
| Siblings | Ermaj Jackson (younger brother), plus half‑siblings from Jermaine’s other relationships |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, entertainer |
| Debut Single | “Got Me Singing” (2019) |
| Role | Michael Jackson in biopic Michael (2026) |
| Height | 5′ 8½″ (1.74 m) per IMDb |
| Religion | Muslim (Sunni); grew up in a Muslim household |
| Relationship | Engaged to Maddie Simpson (announced August 31, 2024; dating since 2016) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
What Movie Is Jaafar Jackson In? The Michael Biopic
How Jaafar was cast
In December 2023, after a two‑year casting process, it was announced that Jaafar Jackson would play his late uncle in the biographical film Michael. Director Antoine Fuqua led the search, and the decision was revealed through an official post on Michael Jackson’s Facebook page. At the time, Jaafar had almost no acting experience — his only prior screen appearance was in the 2015 reality series The Jacksons: Next Generation. Yet his resemblance to Michael and his lifelong immersion in the Jackson family’s musical world made him a natural fit.
Release and box‑office success
Michael premiered in April 2026 and hit theaters on April 24, 2026. The film quickly became the highest‑grossing music biopic of all time, a remarkable achievement that cemented Jaafar’s place in Hollywood. Some earlier reports had suggested a 2025 release, but the film definitively launched in 2026.
Before acting, Jaafar dedicated himself to music: he started playing piano at age 12, inspired by Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. His debut single, “Got Me Singing,” came out in 2019. Those years of musical training helped him prepare for the physical and vocal demands of playing Michael Jackson.
How the biopic compares to other music films
The scale of Michael — covering the singer’s life from childhood to his final years — required a performer who could embody both the superstar and the private man. Jaafar’s casting was the culmination of a global search. For context on other legendary music artist stories, read the Johnny Cash – Biography, Songs, Cause of Death and Legacy.
Jaafar Jackson’s Personal Life: Religion, Marriage, and Net Worth
Is Jaafar Jackson Muslim?
Multiple sources, including Wikipedia, describe Jaafar Jackson as a Sunni Muslim who grew up in a Muslim household. In early 2020, he performed Umrah — a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This is a significant religious act for Muslims, but Jaafar has not made a public statement about his faith. The information comes from his biographical entries rather than personal declarations.
Engagement and marriage
Jaafar Jackson is engaged to Maddie Simpson, as confirmed by Spanish Wikipedia and other biographical sources. The couple announced their engagement on August 31, 2024, after dating since 2016. No wedding date has been made public, and there are no credible reports of a previous marriage.
Jaafar Jackson’s net worth is not disclosed in any official or reliable source. Any figures circulating online are speculative. His income likely derives from his music releases and the Michael biopic, but without public financial records, estimates remain guesswork.
Height and physical appearance
According to his IMDb profile, Jaafar Jackson stands 5′ 8½″ (1.74 m). No official measurement has been issued by his representatives, so this figure is based on industry listings and should be treated as likely accurate but not independently verified.
Jaafar Jackson Career Timeline
- 1996 — Born on July 25 in Los Angeles to Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.
- 2015 — Appears in the reality series The Jacksons: Next Generation.
- 2019 — Releases debut single “Got Me Singing” independently.
- 2023 — Announced as the actor to portray Michael Jackson in the biopic Michael (directed by Antoine Fuqua).
- 2024 — Gets engaged to Maddie Simpson; filming for Michael reportedly underway.
- 2026 — Michael premieres in April and releases on April 24, becoming the highest‑grossing music biopic ever.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. | His religion: though sources state he is Muslim, there is no personal statement from Jaafar. |
| He plays Michael Jackson in the biopic Michael (released 2026). | His net worth: no official figures; any estimates are speculative. |
| He released a debut single in 2019. | His height: often cited as 5′ 8½″ but not officially confirmed by him or his team. |
| He is a member of the Jackson family and the nephew of Michael. | His marital status: engagement is public, but no wedding details are available. |
Why the Sudden Interest in Jaafar Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson’s sudden prominence stems from the announcement of the Michael Jackson biopic. As a relatively unknown entertainer, public curiosity about his personal life, family connections, and background surged. The Jackson family legacy and his father’s fame add to the interest. The biopic’s record‑breaking performance has placed Jaafar under intense scrutiny, with fans eager to separate verified facts from social‑media speculation.
Much like the enduring fascination with other music icons (see Eddie Van Halen – Biography, Death, Net Worth and Legacy), the spotlight on Jaafar highlights how a single role can transform a career.
Key Sources and Official Statements
“Jaafar Jackson (born July 25, 1996) is an American actor and singer. A member of the Jackson family…”
“Michael Jackson’s 26‑year‑old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the planned biopic ‘Michael’…”
Official Michael Jackson Facebook post
“Jaafar Jackson is an actor born in Los Angeles, California. He is the second youngest son to legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Jermaine Jackson.”
Additional biographical details come from Biography.com and Business Insider. The film’s release date was confirmed by Yahoo Entertainment.
Summary: Jaafar Jackson’s Path From Private Singer to Biopic Star
Jaafar Jackson, born in 1996 into the most famous musical family in pop history, has emerged from a relatively low‑profile career as a singer to become the face of a record‑breaking Michael Jackson biopic. While his family roots, his role in Michael, and his engagement are well‑established, details like his net worth and religious beliefs remain based on secondary sources rather than personal confirmation. As anticipation for the film’s continued impact grows, Jaafar’s story is only beginning to be written.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaafar Jackson
Is Jaafar Jackson related to Michael Jackson?
Yes, Jaafar is Michael Jackson’s nephew. His father Jermaine Jackson is Michael’s older brother.
How old is Jaafar Jackson?
He was born on July 25, 1996, making him 29 years old as of 2025.
What is Jaafar Jackson’s debut song?
His debut single is “Got Me Singing”, released in 2019.
Is Jaafar Jackson married?
He is engaged to Maddie Simpson (announced August 31, 2024). No credible reports confirm a prior marriage.
How tall is Jaafar Jackson?
Height is listed as 5′ 8½″ (1.74 m) on IMDb, but not officially confirmed by him.
Did Jaafar Jackson perform Umrah?
Yes, sources indicate he performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia in early 2020. No official statement from him.
What is Jaafar Jackson’s net worth?
Net worth is not publicly disclosed. Any online figures are speculative.
Is Jaafar Jackson acting for the first time in Michael?
He had one prior TV appearance in 2015 (The Jacksons: Next Generation), but Michael is his first major acting role.
Who are Jaafar Jackson’s parents?
His father is Jermaine Jackson, and his mother is Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.
When was the Michael biopic released?
The film premiered in April 2026 and was released in theaters on April 24, 2026.
Related stories
Amelia Foster covers the economy, business and consumer affairs for BritView.uk.