Jabari, Unscored
What does it mean to be seen beyond what you do?
Beyond the talent, the output, the presence you’re known for?
I’ve seen Jabari around San Diego—playing, performing, showing up in ways that move people. The community knows his sound, but I kept wondering: Who is Jabari, really?
Not just the artist,
but the person.
What shaped him? How did he get Where? Where is he in his journey—and where is he going?
I wanted to spend time with him, talk, and create space to explore those questions without agenda. To witness the fullness of who he is—not just the public version, but the layered, in-progress, human one.
Jabari, Unscored is a visual study in becoming. A portrait of someone in motion—relearning how to create without performing, and how to trust himself enough to explore.
FIELD NOTES WITH JABARI(A conversation on artistry, presence, and becoming)
WHO ARE YOU IN THIS SEASON OF YOUR LIFE? WHAT VERSION OF YOURSELF ARE WE MEETING TODAY?
This chapter in my life is the arc of Self Investment.
Ever since the “Reemergence,” when everyone started coming back outside after Covid, I’ve been immersed — bands, collectives, solo gigs, and most personally, my album.
Performing music I’ve written hits different. Translating my obsessions and intricacies to a band felt grounding, and every show reminded me: I need to pour into Jabari just as much as I do for others.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY — WHAT SHAPED YOU AND BROUGHT YOU HERE.
I was born and raised in San Diego.
Church and family raised me — my grandma, my aunt, my sister. Ushering, choir, drums, committees... women shaped my worldview and values. They taught me to stay humble, hungry, and discerning.
Key mentors, too, taught me to think critically and hold myself accountable. That foundation still roots me.
HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC EVOLVED?
At first, music felt like home. I played saxophone from 4th grade, then percussion, then everything I could get my hands on.
But in college, music shifted. The rigidness of academia drained my joy. I was falling out of love.
Taking a semester off saved me. I reentered my community — unpolished, in progress, human. Playing open mics, connecting, growing in public — that reignited me.
I reclaimed my relationship with music. Not through validation or perfection, but through presence
.
“Reclaiming my love for music. Not through validation or perfection, but through presence.”
WHEN DO YOU FEEL MOST IN RHYTHM WITH YOURSELF?
Playing with others, instinctively syncing, when no words are needed.
That’s when I feel it — the flow. We know without speaking. Those moments when the music carries itself, and us.
WHAT GROUNDS YOU RIGHT NOW?
Movement and curiosity.
I stay active and aware — our bodies weren’t meant to stay still.
I’m rollerskating while playing saxophone — because why not?
There are no limits when you embrace play and progress together.
WHAT WOULD YOUR YOUNGER SELF SAY SEEING YOU NOW?
He’d feel assured.
I’m still me. Still learning, still growing, still rooted in what matters
.
"I had to learn to show up — unfinished, in progress, and still worthy."
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU CARRY QUIETLY BUT DEEPLY?
I mask, often. And it’s exhausting.
We talk so much about healing, yet expect constant happiness. That’s unrealistic — and harmful.
People deserve to be where they are emotionally. To be allowed to feel. To sit with discomfort.
Relationships take work. We have to start having real conversations — even if they’re uncomfortable. Especially then.
"We say ‘feel your feelings,’ but make it hard for people to be real. Let them be real."
JABARI, IN SOUNDThe journey doesn’t pause here.
Jabari continues to pour into his craft, now through his latest album — a reflection of everywhere he’s been and where he’s headed next.
Support the work. Hear where Jabari’s path has taken him.
CREDITS:
Photographed + Conceived by
TIKA Studios
Muse
Jabari (SaxSouljah)
Words + Reflection
In conversation with Jabari
Curated by TIKA
Location
San Diego, CA