When the trailer for MICHAEL dropped, audiences did a double take. The figure on screen wasn't Michael Jackson himself, but his nephew Jaafar Jackson—and the resemblance is uncanny. But what many don't know is that this rising star carries a direct link to Latin America through his mother, Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who was born in Bogotá, Colombia.
Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson, grew up in Los Angeles but his Colombian heritage adds a distinct layer to his identity. In an industry where Latino representation often gets flattened into stereotypes, Jaafar's story is a reminder that Latinidad runs deep in unexpected places—even within the Jackson family tree.
From Golf Greens to Center Stage
Before stepping into his uncle's iconic loafers, Jaafar was carving a different path. He released his debut single 'Got Me Singing' in 2019, exploring pop and R&B. But acting wasn't always the plan. During his teens, he seriously considered a career in professional golf. It's a detail that feels almost surreal given where he is now: headlining a major biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua.
His musical influences range from Stevie Wonder to Michael himself, but it was his mother's Colombian roots that gave him a bicultural perspective. Growing up, he likely heard stories of Bogotá and experienced the rhythms of cumbia and salsa alongside the Jackson 5. That blend of cultures is something many Latino readers will recognize—the push and pull between two worlds, the richness of belonging to more than one place.
Two Years of Immersion
Landing the role wasn't a family favor. Jaafar went through a nearly two-year casting process that tested his dance, singing, and acting abilities. Under Fuqua's direction, he studied Michael's private recordings and rehearsed tirelessly to replicate his voice and stage presence. The director has said Jaafar doesn't just imitate—he channels the essence in a way that feels almost supernatural.
The film covers Michael's journey from the Jackson 5 days through the Bad World Tour in 1988. While some critics have noted the narrative softens certain aspects of the artist's life, there's unanimous praise for Jaafar's performance. For a newcomer, carrying a 127-minute biopic is no small feat, and he delivers with a professionalism that belies his inexperience.
Colombian Heritage in the Spotlight
Jaafar's Colombian connection is more than a footnote. His mother, Alejandra, was born in Bogotá, and that heritage places him in a growing wave of Latino talent in Hollywood. It's a reminder that Latinidad isn't monolithic—it's woven through families, music, and stories that cross borders. For Colombian audiences especially, seeing a young man with roots in Bogotá take on such an iconic role is a point of pride.
This isn't the first time Latino heritage has intersected with pop royalty. Sofía Vergara's Beverly Hills home renovation blends European elegance with Colombian heritage, and seven Colombian women were recently recognized among People en Español's Most Powerful of 2026. Jaafar's story fits into this broader narrative of Latino excellence across industries.
What Comes Next
The biopic is already generating buzz, but Jaafar's future extends beyond this role. His multicultural profile—Colombian, American, part of the Jackson legacy—gives him a unique position in Hollywood. He has the discipline and charisma to build a career that transcends the shadow of his famous surname.
As the film hits theaters, audiences are watching closely. For Latino viewers, Jaafar represents something familiar: the experience of navigating multiple identities, the pride of heritage, and the thrill of seeing someone like you on the big screen. Whether he leans into his Colombian roots in future projects remains to be seen, but for now, he's proving that talent and preparation can turn a family legacy into something entirely his own.
