- Jaafar Jackson, who released his debut single last year, wanted to be a professional golfer when he was young
- He realises the benefits of growing up in a famous family, but hopes to build his own identity in the music business
Jaafar Jackson is the latest member of his famous family to burst onto the music scene. Born and raised in Encino, California, the 23-year-old singer is the nephew of late global superstar Michael Jackson.
Jackson made headlines last year with the release of his first single, Got Me Singing, from his forthcoming debut album. This upbeat anthem is a fusion of South American-style tunes, Brazilian baile funk (Portuguese rap set to Miami bass-style hip hop) and 90s electronic house music. Written by Jackson, the song is about the joy of finding new love.
The video for Got Me Singing was filmed in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas, Vidigal, an illegal if picturesque hillside settlement, and Jackson can be seen grooving with Brazilians, with moves reminiscent of his famous uncle.
Despite belonging to a family of celebrated singers, music was not Jackson's first career choice when he was younger. He wanted to be a professional golfer, and even competed in tournaments as a precocious nine-year-old, until his father, Jermaine Jackson, 65, introduced him to the 1973 Jackson 5 song Touch, originally recorded by the Supremes.
"Growing up, I didn't know that I could sing," he says. "Golf was my only passion and it was all I ever wanted to do until my father discovered the musical side of me."
His father had been a vocalist and guitarist in the original Jackson 5 group, later known as the Jacksons, which took the world by storm in the 1960s and 70s. The third eldest of five brothers " Michael was the youngest in the group " Jermaine was the lead singer on some of the early Jackson 5 hits.
Originally from a working-class family of nine children in Gary, Indiana, a number of Jacksons have hit the big time: Jermaine's sister Janet Jackson is a star in her own right.
Following his father's advice, the 12-year-old Jaafar learned Touch and eventually performed it in the family living room. This led him to take more interest in writing and performing music.
Jackson is often introduced as the nephew of the late "King of Pop", or one of Jermaine's seven children, but he hopes to build his own identity in the music business. His career began in 2018, with a performance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
"It is what I was born into," he says. "The more music I release with time, and the more I tour the world, people will be able to recognise me for who I am and what I create.
"Now that I am out there for the world to see through music, I guess it is more likely that people will perceive me differently."
The young singer has fond memories of time shared with his uncle Michael. "I recall being at Neverland, playing hide and seek, going on rides, watching movies and just having a great time," he says.
He would have a lot of questions for Michael if he were still alive, he says. Jackson wasn't as devoted to music during his uncle's years of stardom, so the opportunity was lost, he explains. "I would have asked him many questions about the career I have chosen for myself," he says.
Jackson credits his family for teaching him the importance of dedication. Seeing all the hard work they have put into their craft inspires him to do the same, he says. "My focus is to be the best I can be, and to strive and inspire the coming generations."
Mainstream music expectations and the politics of the industry make it hard for new artists to produce freely and creatively, the singer says.
"I love the creative process my profession has to offer," he explains. "The downside of music is the politics that comes with it. Many artists have had bad agreements with record companies that sign their lives away. New singers have no say on the kind of music they wish to produce or are told to produce. I think it has got slightly better with time, but we still have many changes to make."
He has some advice for new singers looking to find their unique voice in an industry where some artists have been accused of churning out monotonous tunes. "Constant practice, studio sessions and collaboration with different producers would allow you to feel more comfortable with your voice," he says. "That way, you can stay true to yourself."
Jackson believes that individual creativity is largely sacrificed in mainstream music, echoing a common complaint by artists. "If you work on something that feels special and is pushed in the right direction, it can go mainstream," he says, but originality is key. "Artists will fail to stand out if they invest in something that has been accomplished before."
He has yet to collaborate with other artists, beyond the dancers in his music video. "I have many talented people in mind as far as a collaboration goes, but I like surprising people so I won't name anyone just yet," he says.
The focus of media coverage for being a Jackson, he has used social media to connect with his relatively new fan base. He says he does not fear public scrutiny since his father taught him how to answer certain questions and "not let fame get to my head".
"I wouldn't call it pressure, but social media is useful in today's world for exposure," he says. "People know what you are up to in life. It is a great marketing tool that can be addictive at times. Social media could cause people to constantly try and reach a certain amount of likes and followers per post. Such practise can negatively influence the younger generation."
I recall being at Neverland, playing hide and seek, going on rides, watching movies and just having a great timeJaafar Jackson
The singer has a few older cousins who are also pursuing musical careers. His younger brother, Jermajesty, (yes, Jermajesty) produces music and he will soon produce for Jackson, too.
He tries not to think about the perks of being famous. Although he believes being a focus of the media can help boost a project, he feels the unwavering attention can be hard for some people to deal with.
Jackson's taste in music is eclectic: a mix of classical, pop, bossa nova, R&B, hip hop and soul. His current go-to song is Can't Hide Love by Earth, Wind & Fire. Music occupies most of his waking hours and he enjoys having fun while producing new tunes. He plans to release his debut studio album, Famous, in May or June.
"There are 11 songs on the album and you can expect to hear some upbeat dance songs and ballads that communicate the personal things I deal with," he says.
Johnny Mathis, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury and his own family have been his musical inspirations, Jackson says. He adds that his separated parents, Jermaine and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, have helped him to grow personally.
Still living in Los Angeles, he describes his personal style as classic, comfortable and elegant. There are five things he says he cannot live without: his camera, piano, sketchbook, computer and his bed.
Jackson says he hopes to keep making albums, lining up tours and travelling the world " once the coronavirus pandemic has passed. He would also like to get into films and produce music for movies.
"I look forward to what is coming," he says. "This is just the beginning. I want to shock people with my music, videos and shows. I want to show them a whole new side of my creativity."
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