GQ Middle East Unveils September Issue with Jaafar Jackson on the Cover
GQ Middle East Unveils September Issue with Jaafar Jackson on the Cover
An exclusive cover story exploring family, fame, legacy and his journey into acting — as Michael 2 moves into development, Jaafar reflects on portraying his uncle and what comes next.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 August, 2026: GQ Middle East unveils its September Issue with Jaafar Jackson on the cover, marking an exclusive conversation with one of the year’s most compelling rising stars following his acclaimed performance as his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the blockbuster biopic Michael.
In the cover story, Jackson opens up to GQ Middle East about growing up within one of the most famous families in popular culture, discovering the extraordinary significance of the Jackson name and navigating the responsibility of portraying one of the most recognisable entertainers in history.
Having spent three years preparing to become Michael Jackson on screen, Jaafar reflects on the experience of stepping into the shoes of his uncle and the impact it has had on his own artistic ambitions. He also looks ahead to the next chapter of the story, as Michael 2 moves into development, and discusses his hopes for a deeper exploration of his uncle’s life and perspective.
Reflecting on the moment he first understood the extraordinary stature of his family in Madison Square Garden — as he watched them all reunite professionally for the Jackson Five’s 30th anniversary before thousands of adoring fans in one of the world’s most famous venues — Jaafar Jackson said:
“I still can remember how loud it was in there and the fans going crazy for my uncles on the stage. That was probably the first moment that it hit me, Oh, they’re important.”
Jaafar Jackson
On his experience performing as Michael Jackson and how it has shaped his own ambitions as an artist, Jaafar said:
“I experienced the best I could experience as an artist on a stage as Michael. Me doing it as Jaafar would feel weird.”
Jaafar Jackson
When asked how much a sequel would delve into the criticisms and allegations Michael faced, Jaafar explains that the screenplay is in development and that he has no real say in its scope or story. But he does know what he’d like to see, Jaafar said:
“I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, [the allegations] are always from someone else’s.”
Jaafar Jackson
For Amine Jreissati, Head of Editorial Content at GQ Middle East, Jaafar’s story speaks to the broader themes explored throughout the September Issue:
“September is traditionally when we turn up the volume, but this issue goes beyond the expected to explore influence: where it begins, how it travels, and who shapes the culture around us. Jaafar Jackson embodies that idea. He carries one of the most powerful names in popular culture, while finding his own place within that legacy. His story of family, responsibility and transformation sets the tone for an issue that looks at the people, places and ideas shaping culture across our region and far beyond it.”
Amine Jreissati, Head of Editorial Content, GQ Middle East
The cover story offers an intimate portrait of Jaafar at a moment of extraordinary transition. From a childhood spent pursuing golf and developing his own musical identity to three years of intensive preparation to portray his uncle, his journey to Michael marks an unexpected evolution from aspiring musician to one of the year’s most talked-about screen performers.
Yet, having experienced the intensity of performing as Michael Jackson, Jaafar is now reconsidering what he wants from his own career. Rather than returning immediately to music, he is drawn towards acting roles that demand the same level of transformation, preparation and commitment that defined his portrayal of his uncle.
The cover story captures Jaafar Jackson at a defining moment: carrying the weight of an extraordinary family legacy while beginning to establish a legacy of his own. It is a story about what it means to inherit influence and, ultimately, what it takes to make it your own.
GQ Middle East’s September Issue places that story within a broader exploration of influence, tracing the people, ideas and cultural exchanges that continue to shape how the world looks, sounds and thinks.
Read the full interviews now on the GQ Middle East website and follow @gqmiddleeast for the latest updates.
For Media Inquiries
Nermine Kashef — Communications Manager, Condé Nast Middle East
E: nermine.kashef@condenast.com
Condé Nast titles include AD, Allure, Ars Technica, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Epicurious, GLAMOUR, GQ, House & Garden, La Cucina Italiana, Pitchfork, Tatler, Teen Vogue, The New Yorker, The World of Interiors, Vanity Fair, Vogue and WIRED.
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