Jabari has been a judge since 2025
Jabari Zakee
Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge
Former Bitter Jester Showcase Artist
Jabari Zakee is an 23-year-old recording artist, rapper, poet, and event curator. Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Jabari always had a passion for music.
Through his faith in God, his family, and his supporters, he hopes to make a living out of creating meaningful art.
Jabari has performed throughout Chicago with ManiFresh, Columbia College Chicago, Val’s halla Records, Young Chicago Authors, the Pilsen Art House, Taco Chicago, Hated Youth Open Mic, Kidapalooza (2019), MLK Speech Slam Contest at Kennedy-King College (with the Collaboraction Theatre Company), Schubas Tavern, and Cafe Mustache.
Jabari was also a performer at the Bitter Jester Music Festival at both Navy Pier and Port Clinton Square.
Additionally, he is the Co-Founder and Head of Spiritual Revolution Media & Music Collective.
"My problem mostly is that I usually let myself get in the way of success. I know that’s pretty broad but I always try to find a solution by analyzing my problems first. I don’t really know my God’s purpose in my existence but as usually I know that only time will tell."
