Four decades after Control changed the sound, attitude and visual language of pop music, Janet Jackson is preparing to celebrate the landmark album in a way worthy of its legacy: onstage, on camera and larger than life.
Janet Jackson and Airtab Music have announced Janet Jackson: Control 40 — The Airtab Music Movie, a premium filmed concert event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the album that helped transform Jackson from a young performer into a global cultural force.
And for those of us who remember when Control first hit, this one feels personal.
Released in 1986, Control was more than an album you played. It had attitude. It had choreography. It had fashion. It had confidence. Songs including “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “When I Think of You” and “Control” became part of the soundtrack of a generation, while Janet emerged with a clear artistic identity that was completely her own.
Control 40 Heads to Florida
The concert will be filmed December 12, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, with filmmaker Leslie Small directing the production.
The project is being designed as more than a traditional concert recording. Airtab Music says audiences can expect a cinematic multi-camera presentation along with exclusive behind-the-scenes access, capturing both the performance and the moments surrounding it.
While Control provides the heartbeat of the celebration, the show will reach well beyond one album.
Fans can expect music spanning Janet’s extraordinary catalog, including material from Rhythm Nation 1814 and favorites such as “Miss You Much,” “Escapade,” “Love Will Never Do (Without You),” “If,” “Again,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Together Again” and “All for You.”
That is quite a musical journey. 🖤🎶
Four Decades of Janet
What makes this anniversary especially meaningful is how much of Janet Jackson’s work still feels current.
Her music helped redefine conversations about independence, relationships, confidence and social consciousness. Her videos raised expectations for choreography and visual storytelling. Her concerts became carefully constructed worlds where music, dance, fashion and theatrical production worked together.
Forty years later, you can still see pieces of that blueprint across pop and R&B.
Airtab Music founder and CEO Dennis Cunningham described Control as a cultural turning point and said the company intends for the film to become a premium global music event.
The project is currently being positioned for a global theatrical release, followed by worldwide distribution on major streaming platforms.
Supporting the production are talent executives Ari Landau and the AJL Talent team, along with Derrek “Doc” Clarke of 221 Ent, LLC.
This Is Bigger Than Nostalgia
Anniversary projects sometimes survive on memories alone.
This one has the potential to be something different.
Janet Jackson: Control 40 gives longtime fans an opportunity to celebrate music they grew up with while introducing another generation to the artistry behind an era that continues to influence today’s performers.
And there is something wonderfully appropriate about celebrating Control through a concert film. Janet’s story has never been about the recording alone. The movement, visuals, styling, precision and performance have always been part of the music.
So when December arrives, Florida won’t simply be hosting another concert.
It will be hosting a four-decade celebration of an artist whose fingerprints are still all over popular culture.
And yes, somewhere between “Nasty,” “Escapade,” “If” and “Together Again,” I fully expect a few grown folks to temporarily forget what year it is.
Some music does that to you.
Janet Jackson: Control 40 — The Airtab Music Movie will be filmed December 12, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
For additional information, visit Four decades after Control changed the sound, attitude and visual language of pop music, Janet Jackson is preparing to celebrate the landmark album in a way worthy of its legacy: onstage, on camera and larger than life.
Janet Jackson and Airtab Music have announced Janet Jackson: Control 40 — The Airtab Music Movie, a premium filmed concert event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the album that helped transform Jackson from a young performer into a global cultural force.
And for those of us who remember when Control first hit, this one feels personal.
Released in 1986, Control was more than an album you played. It had attitude. It had choreography. It had fashion. It had confidence. Songs including “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “When I Think of You” and “Control” became part of the soundtrack of a generation, while Janet emerged with a clear artistic identity that was completely her own.
Control 40 Heads to Florida
The concert will be filmed December 12, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, with filmmaker Leslie Small directing the production.
The project is being designed as more than a traditional concert recording. Airtab Music says audiences can expect a cinematic multi-camera presentation along with exclusive behind-the-scenes access, capturing both the performance and the moments surrounding it.
While Control provides the heartbeat of the celebration, the show will reach well beyond one album.
Fans can expect music spanning Janet’s extraordinary catalog, including material from Rhythm Nation 1814 and favorites such as “Miss You Much,” “Escapade,” “Love Will Never Do (Without You),” “If,” “Again,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Together Again” and “All for You.”
That is quite a musical journey. 🖤🎶
Four Decades of Janet
What makes this anniversary especially meaningful is how much of Janet Jackson’s work still feels current.
Her music helped redefine conversations about independence, relationships, confidence and social consciousness. Her videos raised expectations for choreography and visual storytelling. Her concerts became carefully constructed worlds where music, dance, fashion and theatrical production worked together.
Forty years later, you can still see pieces of that blueprint across pop and R&B.
Airtab Music founder and CEO Dennis Cunningham described Control as a cultural turning point and said the company intends for the film to become a premium global music event.
The project is currently being positioned for a global theatrical release, followed by worldwide distribution on major streaming platforms.
Supporting the production are talent executives Ari Landau and the AJL Talent team, along with Derrek “Doc” Clarke of 221 Ent, LLC.
This Is Bigger Than Nostalgia
Anniversary projects sometimes survive on memories alone.
This one has the potential to be something different.
Janet Jackson: Control 40 gives longtime fans an opportunity to celebrate music they grew up with while introducing another generation to the artistry behind an era that continues to influence today’s performers.
And there is something wonderfully appropriate about celebrating Control through a concert film. Janet’s story has never been about the recording alone. The movement, visuals, styling, precision and performance have always been part of the music.
So when December arrives, Florida won’t simply be hosting another concert.
It will be hosting a four-decade celebration of an artist whose fingerprints are still all over popular culture.
And yes, somewhere between “Nasty,” “Escapade,” “If” and “Together Again,” I fully expect a few grown folks to temporarily forget what year it is.
Some music does that to you.
Janet Jackson: Control 40 — The Airtab Music Movie will be filmed December 12, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
For additional information, visit AirtabMusic.com/Control40