Actor Jaafar Jackson, who recently starred in the musical biopic Michael, has revealed to GQ that playing his late uncle completely changed his artistic ambitions and soured him on the idea of touring as a solo musical artist. According to CinemaBlend, the Universal Pictures release broke box office records, eventually becoming the first musical biopic to gross $1 billion, and established Jaafar Jackson as a household name following years of rigorous preparation and vocal-and-dance training.
Jaafar Jackson Explains Why Solo Touring Would Feel “Weird”
According to CinemaBlend, the actor stated that being on stage and performing those songs with that specific dance vocabulary and mindset ruined the prospect of doing it under his own name. “I don’t have the mindset of wanting to do that for myself because I don’t think I would be satisfied,” Jackson told GQ, adding, “I experienced the best I could experience as an artist on a stage as Michael. Me doing it as Jaafar would just feel weird.”
Did you know? Jaafar Jackson’s debut music single, titled “Got Me Singing,” was released in 2019 after years of studio work prompted by his father, Jermaine Jackson, starting around age 13, according to reporting by CinemaBlend.
Vocal Blending and Intense Physical Prep for the Biopic
Preparing to play Michael Jackson required more than just family ties, as Jaafar Jackson spent two years enduring grueling rehearsals. According to TODAY, the actor stated that he practiced emulating Michael’s distinct pitch and cadence by reading books in the music legend’s voice and dancing during hours-long rehearsals “until my feet would bleed or would go numb.” When guest co-host Willie Geist asked on TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle if he actually sang in the film, Jackson confirmed that his voice was layered directly into the soundscape. “When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track. So it’s a blend of my vocal and Michael’s,” Jackson said, noting that certain a cappella moments feature exclusively his own voice.
Transition to Acting and Future Projects
With his music career sidelined by years of commitment to the biopic, Jaafar Jackson has fully embraced acting. According to CinemaBlend, producer Graham King—who also worked on the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody—met with Jackson in 2020 when the rising star had just finished a separate music project. Having caught the acting bug, Jackson told GQ that he wants to pursue roles allowing him to completely disappear into a character, citing inspirations like Daniel-Day Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio. His next confirmed project is the Will Smith-led action thriller Supermax, while a now confirmed Michael sequel, which could possibly come out on the 2027 movie schedule, may only solidify this, according to CinemaBlend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jaafar Jackson actually sing in the Michael movie?
Yes. According to TODAY, Jaafar Jackson confirmed that his performances use a live vocal blend alongside Michael Jackson’s tracks, as well as specific a cappella moments featuring only his own voice.
What are Jaafar Jackson’s plans for his music career?
According to CinemaBlend, Jackson told GQ that playing his uncle changed his perspective entirely, stating that touring under his own name would feel “weird” after experiencing the peak of performing as Michael.
What is Jaafar Jackson’s next movie after Michael?
According to CinemaBlend, Jackson is set to appear in the Will Smith-led action thriller Supermax, alongside a now confirmed Michael sequel.
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