Michael Jackson's family would encourage his children to become "performers".

The late 'Thriller' star's three kids - Prince Michael, 13, Paris, 12, and eight-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket - are under the care of his mother Katherine Jackson and are already showing strong signs of the same musical talents of their famous father and his brothers, who formed the Jackson 5 when they were children.

Michael's brother Marlon Jackson revealed: "I truly believe that God blessed this family with the gift of music to make people happy all over the world.

"If the children want to become performers, that's fine with me and my mom, but they also have to get an education."

Although the children are primarily looked after by Katherine, the rest of the Jackson family are also heavily involved in their care, with Michael's sister Janet Jackson taking a particular interest in their welfare.

Michael's brother Tito Jackson added to In Touch magazine: "Janet will do anything that she feels is necessary for her niece and nephews."

Michael died of acute Propofol intoxication aged 50 last June.

The two elder children's mother, the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker's second wife Debbie Rowe has virtually no contact with them, while Blanket's mother is unknown.