Writing and artistry have always been a core value for Jabari Banks. Though we’ve seen him on our screens for Peacock’s hit series Bel-Air, he’s ready for fans to get to know the other side of him through music. Whether writing poems or calling his friend on the house phone to write songs, storytelling became his safe space.
Banks has proven that his creative prowess extends beyond the screen, debuting his music career with a sultry single, “Something Else,” in December 2023. Now, he’s back with a fresh and vibe-filled track, “Weekend Drive,” a vibrant blend of R&B and Pop that promises to capture hearts and imaginations alike.
Through his debut era of music, he can test the waters and cultivate a sound that embodies his journey. “I do a lot of different styles, and it’s a blessing to be versatile in that way, but it’s also like a gift and a curse because I just have to figure out how I make it all make sense for the audience,” Banks tells GU.
Photo Credit: Ro Lexxla
“Weekend Drive” marks a significant step forward for Banks, who artfully navigates the intersection of sensuality and relatability in his music. The track’s breezy anthem-like quality evokes images of cruising down the coastline. Yet, its lyrics delve deeper, weaving rich layers of intrigue into the carefree melody. This duality is a hallmark of Banks’ artistry, where his personal experiences and reflections come together.
Despite wearing many hats and having a naturally energetic personality, he discusses his art with vulnerability. “My goal is to make it cohesive and make sense for everybody else,” he says. “Not too much [though], because I make art for me as well, but my biggest goal is just to put out something that I love, and hopefully everybody else receives it and loves it as well.”
As the 26-year-old continues to maneuver the landscape of his career and build upon his vision board, he’s learned about the importance of discernment when choosing which stories to share within his art. “I feel like being authentic to my story, relationships and things that I go through in my life, I feel like that’s catering to the fans,” he says.
Photo Credit: Ro Lexxla
“Weekend Drive” continues to showcase the relatability that Banks consciously bakes into his music, a central facet of his artistry. The song was birthed in London, and Banks and a few friends hosted a writers’ camp feeling a block until he found his ultimate inspiration. “I was like, You know what, let’s just go on a walk, and I [started] humming the melody in my head,” he says. “I made this song about [having] the freedom of creativity, being with another person in a different country, and with a lot of my music, the walls tend to write the songs, and I just come up with the melodies and the words flow out.”
While reflecting, his most valuable lesson has been to let openness be his superpower. “Be open to each moment you’re in while in your creative space,” he says. “In any facet of art, as long as you’re open and willing to let the universe, God or whatever you believe in use you through your art, then it will be a beautiful experience for everybody involved.”
As Bel-Air continues its run with its third season, Banks’ musical journey is gaining momentum, challenging him to find balance as an entertainer. “It’s a constant struggle for all artists who do two different types of art forms, and you have to rediscover yourself again within your art,” he says.
Photo Credit: Ro Lexxla
He admits he’s his biggest pressure since he was young, but has found solace in being in the moment and experiencing certain moments to invigorate his art. “Now that I’m 26 and I’ve done so much within three years, and I still have so far to go, that motivation is something that’s always going to push me, but sometimes you got to pull it back and just be like, ‘Yo, we’re actually in a really good position,’ and I’m blessed to be in this position,” he tells GU.
With a debut EP on the horizon this fall and the buzz around his first two singles growing, Banks reminds us that he’s still a 20-something figuring out the ebbs and flows of life and relationships. Being a self-proclaimed lover boy at heart, this project allowed him to be honest with himself. “I’ve been in so many broken relationships that nowadays, it could feel, it’s easy to feel numb,” he says. “But still, you continue to be loving and move with light, and that’s where I’ve been continuing to find myself and I hope somebody can feel the same way.”
Through this new attention-grabbing era of Jabari Banks, his fans can expect to see the fun and fearlessness through his work and attract new romantic energy as he continues to find himself.
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.