Jaafar Jackson is not just lip-syncing in 'Michael'—he is really singing in the biopic, and his vocals play a major role in bringing Michael Jackson to life onscreen.
Although some performances in the film blend Jaafar's voice with original Michael Jackson recordings, Jaafar performs with his own vocals in several scenes, particularly studio moments where the focus is solely on the character recording music. Filmmakers used a mix of both voices to preserve authenticity while also showcasing Jaafar's talent.
Jaafar Jackson's Vocals Preparation
To prepare, Jaafar Jackson underwent intense vocal and performance training for months. Despite already having a singing background, he spent countless hours working to match Michael's tone, energy and signature delivery. He also pushed himself physically, rehearsing dance routines until every move felt precise.
Image Courtesy: Jaafar Jackson/ Instagram
His preparation went beyond music. Jaafar studied Michael's speaking voice and mannerisms, practising until it became second nature. He also researched actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix and Christian Bale to help shape his acting process for the role.
Director Antoine Fuqua has praised Jaafar's commitment, noting he was constantly rehearsing and refining the performance right up until filming began.
Image Courtesy: People
Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson, also brought years of personal music experience to the project. He had already been writing and releasing music before landing the role, making the transition into portraying his uncle feel even more natural.
The result is a performance that combines Jaafar's own voice and talent with the unmistakable sound of Michael Jackson, giving audiences a version of the King of Pop that feels both fresh and faithful.
