Jaafar Jackson is no stranger to the world of music, and he is making his musical debut with the single, “Got Me Singing”. Jaafar — the son of Jermaine Jackson — is a 22-year-old rising singer, songwriter, and producer from Los Angeles, California. As a child, Jaafar had aspirations of becoming a professional golfer, however, growing up in arguably the most iconic family of entertainers in music history it was only natural that Jaafar followed suit. At the age of 22, Jaafar has made his way to the music scene with the track, “Got Me Singing”. The track was produced by his friend and chief collaborator Hardy Indiigo who’s done work for the likes of the queen of pop, Madonna and Carlos Santana. The track introduces a simmering style powered with live instrumentation and bordering pop, R&B, soul, and Caribbean influences. “Got Me Singing” is the first taste of new music off of Jaafar’s forthcoming independent full-length, Famous, which will be released on his birthday, July 25th.
I had the opportunity to talk with Jaafar and learn more about him as well as his debut single, “Got Me Singing” which dropped today and his upcoming album, Famous coming out next month on his birthday.
For the readers who don’t know who you are, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Jaafar Jackson, born and raised in Los Angeles. I am 22 years old have been into music since the age of 13. I come from a musical family, so I’ve always been surrounded by it since a young age. For the past 8 months, I’ve been working on my debut album which drops July 25th. My single “Got Me Singing” drops June 28th. I can’t wait to share the music I’ve been working really hard on.
Courtesy of Nadia Ali PR
Coming from one of music’s most influential families, how have they inspired the music you make?
I grew up listening to all of my family’s music and watching them perform so it’s always been a part of my life. Seeing them on stage and hearing the audience’s reaction inspired me a lot.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I’ve always been inspired by artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Johnny Mathis
Do you think you have a certain expectation to live up to musically because of your family?
Yes but I don’t ever think of it in that way. I do the best I can and work the hardest I can to make sure that I’m proud of what I’m creating and at the end of the day I’m having fun doing it.
Talk about your debut single, “Got Me Singing”, what does this track mean to you and what’s the inspiration behind it?
“Got Me Singing” is a special one since it’s my very first single. I chose this as the first because I loved the feeling it gave me of wanting to dance and move to it. It has an international sound since the drums are baile funk which originates from Brazil. I wanted to come out with a feel good uptempo record for the top of summer.
Courtesy of Nadia Ali PR
Your debut album, Famous, is coming out this summer, what can you tell us about it?
I started working on the album Famous almost 7 months ago with my team and put a lot of love and energy into this project. As far as the sound it’s an international feel-good vibe but there’s record late that can cater to different markets. I don’t want to give too much away but I think people are going to enjoy it.
When people listen to your music, what would you like them to be left with/feel?
I want my music to make people feel something. Whether it’s happy, emotional, wanting to dance. I want them to walk away appreciating the music and hopefully that it touched them in a way.
When people hear the name, “Jaafar Jackson”, what do you want them to think of you?
People will think all types of things but I want it to be about the music and appreciate the art I’m creating and have it speak for itself. I hope people will relate to it.
Do you have any upcoming news/plans you’d like to share?
So far my focus has just been on this project and making sure everything is ready. I look forward to getting out there and performing, traveling, and meeting people from all over. The album drops on my birthday which is July 25th
Any last thoughts?
Thank you Affinity for your time, I hope everyone enjoys the single and video that dropped today!
To keep up with Jaafar, make sure to follow him on Instagram and Spotify
