# Personal Branding Changes Michael Jackson Converts to Islam, Changes Name to Mikaeel By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-11-21 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jackson-mikaeel-islam References: [inquisitr](http://www.inquisitr.com/9175/michael-jackson-islam/) & [ptinews](http://www.ptinews.com/ptiptisite.nsf/0/C1434E36FEC51EE66525750800266416?OpenDocument) The undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has converted to Islam and changed his name to Mikaeel, taking a page from the personal branding book of [fellow pop artist Prince](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zales-and-prince). Michael Jackson swore his allegiance to Islam at the home of Steve Porcaro, a friend who composed music for Jackson's 'Thriller' album. Fellow converts David Wharnsby, Phillip Bubal and Cat Stevens were on hand to help Jackson celebrate. Michael Jackson's religious change of heart comes just days before he will testify in a lawsuit brought against him by Prince Abdulla Al-Khalif of Bahrain, who has accused Jackson for defaulting on a [recording contract](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mtv-video-music-awards1). Below, read about some other high-profile figures who have undergone sudden [personal branding changes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legitimate-you). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Religious Conversion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop products and services catering to the needs of individuals who undergo religious conversions. - **Personal Branding:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms and tools to help individuals navigate and manage their personal brand transitions. - **Celebrity Lawsuits:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offer legal services and technology solutions specifically designed to assist celebrities in managing lawsuits and contractual disputes. ### Where This Applies - **Religious Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement technology-driven approaches to deliver personalized religious teachings and support online. - **Personal Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop mobile apps and online platforms focused on personal branding, identity, and self-improvement. - **Legal Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create AI-powered legal platforms that streamline case management and provide accessible legal guidance for celebrities and high-profile individuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Progressive Sports Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/howard-university.md) - [Name Change QSR Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subway-name-change.md) - [Reimagined Legacy Fashion Logos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novak-djokovic.md) - [Comprehensive Hotel Rebrands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starwood-hotels.md) - [Celebrity Personal Care Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papatui.md) - [Standalone Celebrity Popcorn Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backstage-popcorn1.md) - [Music-Centric Branding Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mtv-video-music-awards1.md) - [Wellness-Focused Rebranding Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jiva-technologies.md) - [Community-Focused Sports Initatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/howard-university-1.md)