/janet-jackson1-2000-91c300a66c8241e8a9c5b84c140d509c.jpg)
Janet Jackson has spent decades under the harshest spotlights imaginable. We’ve seen the world tours, the Super Bowl headlines, and the complex family dynamics of the Jackson dynasty. But since 2017, her focus has pivoted toward a much smaller, quieter world. Specifically, the world of her son, Eissa Al Mana.
Honestly, it’s kinda rare to see a superstar of her caliber successfully keep a child this shielded. Most "celebrity kids" are influencers by age five. Not Eissa. Janet has been fiercely protective, choosing to raise him mostly in London, away from the Hollywood paparazzi engine.
As of early 2026, Eissa is nine years old. He just celebrated that milestone on January 3, and for once, Janet gave us a tiny, digital peek into his life.
The 9th Birthday and the PlayStation Obsession
If you follow Janet on Instagram, you probably saw the birthday post. It wasn’t a red-carpet debut. It was a photo of a cake. But not just any cake—it was a massive, detailed red PlayStation 5 controller.
✨ Don't miss: Why Michael Jackson's kids are white: The real story behind the King of Pop's family
Beside it sat a figurine of Astro Bot. It turns out Eissa Al Mana is a huge gamer.
It’s a funny, humanizing detail. You’d think the grandson of Joe Jackson and the son of a billionaire like Wissam Al Mana would be spending his weekends in a suit at an art gallery. Instead, he’s basically like every other nine-year-old on the planet: obsessed with his console and probably trying to squeeze in "just five more minutes" of game time before bed.
Janet’s caption was sweet and simple: "To my beautiful heart and soul, may God continue to bless you and keep you close ALWAYS. Happy Birthday Baby."
Why He Lives in London
A lot of fans wonder why Janet isn't spotted at Whole Foods in LA or hanging out in New York. The reality is that London is home. After her split from Wissam Al Mana in 2017—just months after Eissa was born—she stayed in the UK.
Why? Co-parenting.
Despite a messy initial breakup and some public tension between the families, the current setup seems to revolve around stability for the kid. Wissam is based there, and Janet has made it clear that Eissa’s childhood shouldn't be a replica of her own. Remember, Janet was working on variety shows at age seven. She was a professional before she could even do long division.
She told The Guardian recently that she wants him to "experience being a child." You don't get a do-over on those years. In London, he can go to school, play in the park, and have a somewhat "normal" existence without a lens in his face every ten feet.
Is Eissa Al Mana Musical? (The Short Answer: Yes)
You can't really escape those genes, right?
🔗 Read more: What Country Is JD Vance's Wife From? The Surprising Roots of Usha Vance
Even back when he was a toddler, Janet was telling Jimmy Fallon about Eissa's ear for music. It didn't start with pop or R&B, either. He was into classical. He started with the violin at age two. By the third day of school, he apparently told his mom, "Mama, I want to take a cello to school."
She had to explain that they didn't actually own a cello. Her assistant ended up taping a straw to his violin to make it look like a cello just so he’d be happy.
Since then, he’s branched out. He’s been gifted a drum set by Questlove. He’s been seen backstage at Janet’s Together Again tour wearing ear protection, watching his mom command 20,000 people. He’s reportedly a big Bruno Mars fan, too.
Janet says he has "great pitch" and has even been caught doing the "head move" and the march her brother Michael was famous for in the "They Don't Care About Us" video. It’s instinctive.
The "Superwoman" Myth
Janet has been open about the fact that she doesn't have a village of nannies 24/7. She’s called herself a "hands-on mom." Her friends apparently call her Superwoman, but she’s the first to admit that she’s just tired like everyone else.
"God knows I'm not [Superwoman]. But I think what they are seeing is the energy and that extra drive I'm getting from the inspiration of Eissa."
💡 You might also like: How Old Is Sam Heughan? Why the Outlander Star is Peaking in 2026
She once hoped for three children, but she’s since realized that one is a massive, beautiful undertaking. She’s 59 now, and she’s said that becoming a mother at 50 was the most important thing she’s ever done. It changed her "rhythm." It’s no longer about the next chart-topping hit; it’s about making sure Eissa feels kind, creative, and loved.
What's Next for the Jackson-Al Mana Family?
Don't expect Eissa to launch a YouTube channel or a clothing line anytime soon. Janet is doubling down on his privacy as he enters his pre-teen years.
If you're looking to keep up with how he's doing, your best bet is to watch Janet’s rare, heartfelt updates on his birthdays. She’s proven that it’s possible to be a global icon and a private mom at the same time.
What you can do now:
- Respect the boundaries: If you see "leaked" photos of Eissa on social media, recognize that they are almost always taken without the family's consent. Supporting Janet means supporting her wish for his privacy.
- Watch the 2022 documentary: If you want more context on her journey to motherhood, the Janet Jackson documentary (Lifetime/A&E) offers the most authentic look at her transition into this chapter.
- Follow her official channels: Janet only shares what she wants the world to see on her verified Instagram. Everything else is usually just tabloid noise.
The "Janet Jackson son now" story isn't one of showbiz ambition or public spectacle. It’s actually a pretty quiet story about a woman who found her greatest "rhythm" in a London living room, watching a nine-year-old play video games and practice the cello.