Janet Jackson Son: Why She Keeps Him Away From the Spotlight

Janet Jackson has spent almost her entire life under a microscope. From the moment she stepped onto a stage at seven years old with her famous brothers to becoming a global icon in her own right, privacy wasn't really a thing she grew up with. So, when it comes to Janet Jackson son, Eissa Al Mana, she’s doing things a whole lot differently.

People are constantly curious about him. Is he musical? Does he know his mom is a legend? Why don't we see him on every red carpet? Honestly, the way Janet handles motherhood is probably the most relatable thing about her, even if she is a billionaire-adjacent superstar living in London.

The Reality of Raising Eissa Al Mana

Eissa was born on January 3, 2017. Janet was 50 at the time, which, as you can imagine, sparked a massive conversation about "later-in-life" motherhood. But for her, it wasn't about the headlines; it was about a long-held dream finally coming true.

She shares Eissa with her ex-husband, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. They split just months after the baby was born, but they’ve stayed committed to co-parenting him in London. Recently, in January 2026, Janet shared a rare glimpse into his life for his 9th birthday. She posted a photo of his cake—a massive PlayStation controller themed around the game Astro Bot. It’s a far cry from the glitz and glam of the Jackson family's early days. It’s just... a kid who likes video games.

Janet has been very vocal about wanting him to just be a kid. She’s mentioned in interviews, specifically with The Guardian, that she doesn't want him in show business—at least not until he's 18. She remembers not being asked if she wanted to be a star; she just was one. She doesn't want that for Eissa.

Is he the next musical prodigy?

Even though she keeps him away from the cameras, she can’t help but gush about his talents. Apparently, the kid is a natural.

• He started with a toy violin and obsessed over it.
• Questlove (from The Roots) gave him a drum set.
• He’s been known to "create melodies" since he was a toddler.

It’s almost like it’s in the DNA, right? But Janet is firm: no "professional" moves until he's an adult. He’s even accompanied her on tour—like the Together Again tour—but you won't see him on stage. He’s usually off to the side, wearing ear defenders, watching his mom do her thing.

Why the Privacy Matters

You’ve gotta realize that for a Jackson, privacy is a luxury. Janet’s brother Michael had a notoriously complicated relationship with the press regarding his children. Janet seems to have taken those lessons to heart. She doesn't have a fleet of nannies. She’s famously said, "I do it all myself."

Sure, when she’s on stage, someone is watching him. But for the day-to-day? It’s Janet making breakfast and getting him ready for school. She wants that "normalcy" because she never had it.

What Eissa knows about "Janet Jackson"

For a long time, Eissa didn't even know his mom was famous. He just knew her as "Mama." Around age five, Janet mentioned that his friends at school were starting to "put it together." Imagine being a kid and finding out your mom is the woman on the posters. It’s gotta be a trip.

She handles it with a sort of "it is what it is" attitude. She doesn't hide her past, but she doesn't center their home life around it either. Their life in London is quiet. Well, as quiet as it can be when your mom is an icon and your dad is a billionaire.

The Hard Truths of Late Motherhood

Janet hasn't sugarcoated everything. She’s admitted that being a "working mother" is tough. She's 59 now, and keeping up with a high-energy 9-year-old while headlining world tours isn't exactly a walk in the park. She’s often said that motherhood is the "most important thing" she’s ever done. It changed her perspective on what matters. The hits, the awards, the "icon" status—it all takes a backseat to whether or not Eissa has his homework done or enjoyed his birthday cake.

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Common Questions People Ask

1. Does Eissa live in the US? No, he primarily lives in London with Janet.
2. Is he close with his cousins? The Jackson family is huge, and while they are spread out, Janet has mentioned that family is a priority.
3. Does he speak Arabic? Given his father’s heritage and his name (Eissa is the Arabic name for Jesus), it’s widely believed he’s being raised with an appreciation for both cultures.

Basically, Janet is protecting him from the "grinder" of the entertainment industry. She’s seen what it does to people. She’s lived it. By keeping him out of the spotlight, she’s giving him the one thing her father couldn't give her: a choice.

Actionable Insights for Parents Following Janet’s Lead:

• Value Privacy: In the age of "sharenting," Janet’s approach is a reminder that children don't always consent to having their lives online. Consider keeping your kids' faces off public social media.
• Encourage Hobbies, Not Careers: Let your kids explore music, sports, or gaming (like Eissa’s love for Astro Bot) without the pressure of "making it" or being the best in the world.
• Presence Over Presents: Despite her wealth, Janet emphasizes the time she spends doing the "grunt work" of parenting herself. Being present for the small moments matters more than the big gestures.
• Set Boundaries: If you have a high-pressure job, create "no-work zones" where you are just "Mom" or "Dad," not your professional title.