Jabari Smith

Hi, My name is Jabari Smith and I am a 2022 graduating CAFE student. I am a drummer, music producer, and audio engineer.  

I began playing the drums at age six and started playing the drums for the youth choir at my church at an early age.   I am now a member of my church’s Music Ministry band and provide musical  services for our church service and choirs.   I am also a member of the FAME Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble where I am the lead drummer.  Within the last two years, I gained an interest in music production and have been creating music using digital audio workstations.  

I joined CAFE during the 7th grade after a neighbor heard me playing the drums in my house while out on their daily walk. Upon joining CAFE, I joined the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO) playing the bass pan. I cannot remember the exact year but I was moved from the bass pan to the drumset once it was discovered I played the drums. Since that time, I have played the drums for PVYSO and Rhythm Starters, now called Rhythm Runners.  I will miss playing with PV when I graduate.  

Some of my favorite memories at CAFE include performing at Virginia Beach Panfest, Pan in the Park, and Trinidad & Tobago Embassy for  DC Passport.  Being a part of CAFE afforded me the opportunity to play with other musicians and learn about the Caribbean culture and their music.  It also allowed me the opportunity to attend Birch Creek’s Performance Center two week camp in Wisconsin.  This was my first time visiting Wisconsin as well as my first time being away from my parents and family without knowing anyone. 

My post high school academic plans are to pursue a degree in Music Technology at SAE Institute or the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media. I will continue playing the drums with my church and other musical gigs that come along.  

Thank you Ms. Josanne, Ms. Malika and Mr. Domenic for helping me with learning new songs and different Caribbean rhythms to try out for new songs. I've learned a lot since joining CAFE and made so many good friends that make music too. I really grew as a musician and person and will continue to grow through every challenge I face. 

I want to send a huge thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Green for always being there for me and encouraging me to keep going.  You both always put a good word behind my name. You both are good people/family to me.