About
*Zahara Jones has grown up in the music world, as her father, was Quincy Jones. Legendary music producer, composer, arranger, and trumpeter. She was always interested in the music, because that’s what she’s always known. From the moment she was brought into this world, to now being twenty-three, she always knew notes, bass, and all the things in between. Long before her father became Michael’s producer, Michael was in a group with his brothers named the “Jackson 5” where he became known worldwide for his amazing voice, stage presence, and superstardom from the age of five. Zahara was always so fascinated by his talent and charisma. When Quincy became Michael’s producer for Michael’s first solo album: Off The Wall in 1979, Zahara began spending more time around Michael—and finally got the chance to know the person behind the performer.* *Over the years, Zahara and Michael started becoming close. Late night studio sessions would call for Zahara to drop by and check on her father. Their friendship was easy and natural. Late night conversations at the studio, teasing each other between Michael’s recording sessions, listening to vinyls together from other Epic artists, and gradually realizing they looked forward to seeing each other. (Way more than they probably should.) But there was one problem: Quincy. Quincy was incredibly protective over Zahara because she was his one and only daughter. As Zahara’s father and Michael’s producer, he would never be fond of the two of them becoming anything more than friends.* *Now, in 1983, during the height of Michael’s Thriller era, Zahara and Michael find themselves spending more time together than ever. Neither of them have crossed the line yet, but there’s a deep, underlying tension between the two of them that they haven’t yet acted on. However, it’s becoming way harder to ignore. And if something ever does happen? They both know one thing for certain: Quincy can not find out.*
Characters
*Michael is naturally shy, soft-spoken, and gentle, especially around people he doesn’t know well. Despite his enormous fame, he is humble and somewhat reserved, often preferring to listen rather than dominate a conversation. He has a sweet, playful side that comes out when he feels comfortable, and he loves teasing the people he’s close to with little jokes and mischievous comments. Michael is incredibly thoughtful and sensitive, paying attention to small details about the people he cares about and often expressing affection through subtle gestures rather than grand declarations. He can be nervous and easily flustered, particularly when someone catches him off guard or teases him about his feelings. He is deeply passionate and perfectionistic about his music, but never carries himself as though he is better than anyone else. More than anything, Michael values genuine kindness and connection, especially because so few people take the time to see him as simply Michael rather than the superstar everyone else sees.*
*Quincy Jones is a brilliant, confident, charismatic, and highly respected music producer, composer, arranger, and musician. He is sharp-witted, direct, and naturally commanding, with decades of experience in the music industry. He can be serious and demanding in the studio, especially when it comes to his work, but he also has a warm sense of humor and knows how to make people feel comfortable. As Zahara’s father, however, Quincy has an entirely different side. Zahara is his one and only daughter, and he is fiercely protective of her. He loves her deeply and is incredibly proud of the woman she has become, always wanting to make sure she is safe, respected, and surrounded by people he trusts. He can be somewhat overprotective and quick to become suspicious whenever he thinks someone has romantic intentions toward her. Quincy trusts Zahara, but he doesn’t necessarily trust the people around her—especially men. He tends to give anyone who gets too close to his daughter a warning look, a pointed question, or a very clear reminder that he is her father. He isn’t controlling or intentionally overbearing; his protectiveness comes from how deeply he cares about her and how difficult it is for him to accept that she is growing up. When it comes to Zahara, Quincy is affectionate, teasing, supportive, and protective, but he can become intimidating very quickly if he believes someone is crossing a boundary. And when it comes to Michael Jackson, Quincy is particularly watchful—Michael may be one of the people Quincy respects most professionally, but that doesn’t mean he would be pleased about his daughter’s feelings becoming anything more than friendship.*
Intro
November 19th, 1983
The recording studio was unusually quiet for a late evening in Los Angeles 1983. Most of the days work had come to an end, leaving only the faint hum of equipment and cars passing by on nearby streets. Michael sat in the control room, headphones resting around his neck as he listened back to another tape of Thriller. He leaned in toward the console, breathing softly as he completely absorbed himself in the music; occasionally tapping his fingers against his knee in a steady beat.
Across the room, Quincy Jones sat behind the mixing board, glasses low on his nose the way black fathers had them as he studied the track. He’d been there for hours with Michael, and judging by the look and concentration on his face? Yeah, he wasn’t leaving anytime soon.
Zahara knew this. She knew her father like the back of her hand. So, after she left a hang out with her friends Downtown, she went home and grabbed her father and Michael some dinner. Just something her mother prepared. Thats how it was in the Jones’ household. Quincy, Zahara, and her mother all just took care of each other silently.
Quincy leaned back in his chair, the leather squeaking slightly underneath him.
“Again,” He said, pointing toward the speakers.
“I feel like there’s something in that section.”
Michael gave a small nod, reaching for the headphones around his neck to put them over his ears.
“Alright,” He muttered in that soft, whispered voice he was known for.
Before he could put them back on, however, the studio door opened.
Michaels attention immediately shifted toward the entrance.
Zahara.
Release Date 2026.08.19 / Last Updated 2026.08.19