Jabari Powell: Writer with Reggae Roots

It is Friday night in Richmond, but the party doesn’t start until Virginia Commonwealth University junior Jabari Powell gets there – literally. Powell has been DJing since the age of 13, and he has recently taken to the turntables at house parties during the weekends. Powell’s interest in reggae, dancehall and hip-hop is no surprise – after all, he grew up with it.

Powell’s father moved to the states from the island of Nevis in the Caribbean when he was 15, and his mother grew up in Harlem. Powell was born in New York, but he and his family moved to the South when he was young to pursue better opportunities.

“We still keep close ties with the city and the Caribbean,” Powell said, adding that he visits the Islands at least once every three years.

“I actually worked at my uncle’s lumber and hardware store for a summer in St. Thomas,” Powell said. “It was an experience that I will always remember.” Powell looks forward to going back in December of this year.

Since Powell was born, he has been immersed in his family’s culture and listening to Bob Marley has been a part of his every day routine.

“[Marley’s] songs were my lullabies as a child,” Powell said, and they have definitely shaped his outlook on life today. In addition to his Caribbean roots’ influence, after meeting a DJ when he was young, Powell said his eyes were opened to the idea of actually DJing himself.

Powell’s friends know how much music means to him.

“Jabari’s little sister used to make fun of him for DJing,” long-time friend Quinton Smith said. “But he never gave up. When he wants to do something, he does it.”

When Powell isn’t at the club mixing beats, he can be found on the soccer field or focusing on his schoolwork, which is not just a chore to him. Print journalism is more than just his major – it is one of his true passions.

“[Writing has] always come easy for me, plus writing allows me to organize the millions of thoughts that are constantly flying around my head,” he said.

Powell attributes his knack for writing to his family’s genes. His grandfather, who is a taxi-driver and retired engineer, and his father, who is a psychologist, constantly inspire Powell.

“I’m proud to say I come from a family of wise men,” Powell said. “My father has for the longest time taught me to be humble and to humble myself and to know when to admit when you’re wrong.” Powell’s father has motivated him with many quotes over the years, and one that has stuck with Powell is “you can’t be wrong and strong.”

After graduation, Powell hopes to join the Peace Corps or work with UNICEF in Brazil to perfect his Portuguese and help the poor people in that country. Graduate school may also be in Powell’s future, but he said, “You definitely won’t catch me in a monkey suit in a cubicle!” For now, Powell is enjoying his time at VCU. He has recently landed some DJing gigs at a club in Virginia Beach and he is excited about his future in music.