When it was revealed earlier this year that R&B pop idol Janet Jackson had planned on moving to the Middle East full time with new husband, billionaire business tycoon Wissam Al Mana, fans thought one thing: is this the end of her music career? The move to the Middle East did not appear temporary, either; Jackson converted and became a Muslim after the couple stated dating in 2010. Jackson revealed in February that they married in a secret ceremony last year, and that she and Al Mana own residences in three different countries. Jackson has married twice in the past, in the ’80s to James DeBarge and in the ’90s to Réne Elizondo, so it’s not entirely for sure that this new relationship will last. But while they remain a loving pair, it appears Jackson will put her music career on hiatus for now.
Although signs point to a musical hiatus for Jackson, it’s not as if there aren’t recording studios in the Middle East. And it’s entirely certain that, wherever Jackson and Al Mana live, they will have a top-tier recording studio installed. That seems like a must for any pop star living abroad. Her most recent album, Discipline, was released in 2008. And although future albums likely won’t be able to include work with producers like Ne-Yo and Jermaine Dupri due to Jackson’s long distance, her track record suggests that someone would willingly fly out. Jackson and Al Mana could afford to fly out any of them. Al Mana is a billionaire, and according to Variety magazine Jackson has earned $458 million from touring and $260 million from her albums. Acting roles and sponsorship deals combined for $385 million. Combining their net worths, Jackson and Al Mana could make a big difference to charities across the world, something that Jackson seeks to continue regardless of her music career’s status.
Jackson’s public appearances have still been occurring. She remains an active proponent of several causes, like The Foundation for AIDS Research, both in-person and on Twitter. That seems likely to continue, and perhaps become Jackson’s focus as she shies away from the music industry. As an artist who grew up in front of the nation’s eyes, with a spotlight on her ever since she began performing on the big stage the age of seven, a retreat into a quieter more charity-driven lifestyle makes sense. There’s not much left for Jackson to accomplish in the entertainment industry, after winning six Grammy Awards, earning an Academy Award nomination, and seeing six of her ten albums top the charts. She remains a truly eclectic talent, and one that with her new life fortunately channels her wealth and intellect into something truly memorable, whether it involves new music or helping out a worthwhile charity. Secretly marrying a billionaire and becoming Muslim may seem like radical changes, but true fans can only hope for her happiness and for Jackson’s emphasis to be on charity or music, and preferably both.
She’s Married a Billionaire, Islam Convert; Has Janet Jackson Retired From Music?
When it was revealed earlier this year that R&B pop idol Janet Jackson had planned on moving to the Middle East full time with new husband, billionaire business tycoon Wissam Al Mana, fans thought one thing: is this the end of her music career? The move to the Middle East did not appear temporary, either; Jackson converted and became a Muslim after the couple stated dating in 2010. Jackson revealed in February that they married in a secret ceremony last year, and that she and Al Mana own residences in three different countries. Jackson has married twice in the past, in the ’80s to James DeBarge and in the ’90s to Réne Elizondo, so it’s not entirely for sure that this new relationship will last. But while they remain a loving pair, it appears Jackson will put her music career on hiatus for now.
Although signs point to a musical hiatus for Jackson, it’s not as if there aren’t recording studios in the Middle East. And it’s entirely certain that, wherever Jackson and Al Mana live, they will have a top-tier recording studio installed. That seems like a must for any pop star living abroad. Her most recent album, Discipline, was released in 2008. And although future albums likely won’t be able to include work with producers like Ne-Yo and Jermaine Dupri due to Jackson’s long distance, her track record suggests that someone would willingly fly out. Jackson and Al Mana could afford to fly out any of them. Al Mana is a billionaire, and according to Variety magazine Jackson has earned $458 million from touring and $260 million from her albums. Acting roles and sponsorship deals combined for $385 million. Combining their net worths, Jackson and Al Mana could make a big difference to charities across the world, something that Jackson seeks to continue regardless of her music career’s status.
Jackson’s public appearances have still been occurring. She remains an active proponent of several causes, like The Foundation for AIDS Research, both in-person and on Twitter. That seems likely to continue, and perhaps become Jackson’s focus as she shies away from the music industry. As an artist who grew up in front of the nation’s eyes, with a spotlight on her ever since she began performing on the big stage the age of seven, a retreat into a quieter more charity-driven lifestyle makes sense. There’s not much left for Jackson to accomplish in the entertainment industry, after winning six Grammy Awards, earning an Academy Award nomination, and seeing six of her ten albums top the charts. She remains a truly eclectic talent, and one that with her new life fortunately channels her wealth and intellect into something truly memorable, whether it involves new music or helping out a worthwhile charity. Secretly marrying a billionaire and becoming Muslim may seem like radical changes, but true fans can only hope for her happiness and for Jackson’s emphasis to be on charity or music, and preferably both.
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