The Inspiring Life of Jamaal Amir Akbari: Entrepreneur, Artist, Activist, and Father
Jamaal Amir Akbari
Jamaal Amir Akbari, stage name JustJamaal ThePoet, is a celebrated figure whose entrepreneurial pursuits have positioned him as a prominent voice within the Black community. As a creative entrepreneur, award-winning poet, songwriter, recording/performance artist, and arts educator, Jamaal's influence is widespread. On this Father's Day, we applaud not only his accomplishments as an artist, activist, and father but, most importantly, his ceaseless dedication as an entrepreneur who molds future leaders.
Born in Toronto, Jamaal was raised between Guyana, Ottawa, and Toronto during his childhood. This exposure to various cultures prepared him for the multitude of roles he would embrace later on, including his successful foray into entrepreneurship. Fostering his deep affection for the arts from a young age, Jamaal cultivated his talents and embarked on a path that garnered him recognition as a nationally acclaimed artist. His creativity and artistic endeavors have resulted in notable accolades such as serving as Ottawa’s English-language Poet Laureate from 2017-2019 and being appointed the Artist-in-Residence for Carleton University's Music Program for the 2019-2020 school year.
Jamaal's love for the arts and community development culminated in the creation of Origin Arts & Community Centre, Ottawa's first all-Black owned performance arts venue, which he co-founded with fellow MASC artist Jacqui Du Toit and Ali Misani. As the former director of operations, he played a critical role in shaping the Centre’s vision. Although he is no longer directly involved in the Center's operations, he is immensely proud of this achievement.
As a father and husband, Jamaal seeks to be a positive representation of a Black family man. He strives to dismantle stereotypes by openly showcasing vulnerability and sharing his personal journey, including the challenges he’s faced and the growth he has undergone. Being a father to three boys and four girls, all of whom are homeschooled, has also significantly influenced his art and activism. Consequently, he approaches entrepreneurship with great intentionality, devoting his time and energy exclusively to projects that truly align with his values and priorities.
Jamaal is not a man confined by labels, skillfully merging his identities as an artist, activist, and father into a singular entity. “I've decided to make it all one because it's too much to try to compartmentalize myself,” he explained. “I realized that if everyone who interacts with me knows that this is what I’m about, I don’t need to jump between those dimensions anymore. Now, anyone I engage with, our intersections are on those pathways. My time is never spent outside of the three anymore.”
Despite the busy life he leads as an entrepreneur, Jamaal has developed systems and routines that permit him to spend meaningful time with his children while managing his business ventures. Having regular family gatherings every three months provides an avenue for his family to reiterate their visions, share their aspirations, and discuss ways to help and support each other. This unique approach, which he refers to as ‘Bring Our Wishes to the Table,’ teaches his children to apply these mechanisms within the communities they engage with.
In navigating conversations about social justice and activism, Jamaal instills the importance of character development in his children. He acknowledges that character and attitude are the driving forces that will enable them to accomplish their long-term visions. Similarly, as an arts coach and mentor, Jamaal guides budding entrepreneurs to pursue their goals and see them through to fulfillment, showing them alternative paths to success that are not readily taught. He expanded his knowledge and skills in various areas like grant writing, fundraising, event coordination, and networking, so that he can bring back valuable insights to the community and fill in the pieces that may be missing.
One of Jamaal’s key pieces of advice for fellow artists hoping to generate income is to transform their creative passion into a service rather than a product to be invested in. As a rapper, he found that introducing his craft through workshops, seminars, and mentoring allowed people to understand why they should compensate him for his art. He believes that actively serving and demonstrating a willingness to give can open up numerous doors for an artist and increase their exposure. “The generosity returns because your brand spreads to a wider audience now and people hear more about what you do,” Jamaal explained. “While serving, you also get to leverage your other business ventures to the people that attend. The more you serve, the higher the rewards.”
He credits self-investment as the secret to his financial success as an artist. Recognizing that every skill an artist possesses is a potential stream of income, he established separate businesses for each of his artistic skills, making him marketable across numerous professional fields. Although wearing many hats may seem daunting initially, it pays off in the long run. When an artist shows they can fill gaps others cannot, they become an indispensable asset, leading to more bookings and contracts.
Jamaal proposes three essential practices that artists should adopt in order to attain financial success. Firstly, he encourages artists to continually evolve and upgrade their skills, products, and services as often as possible. “As you and your support base grows so should your package as an artist,” said Jamaal. Secondly, he suggests taking calculated risks and keeping in mind the unmet needs that have yet to be fulfilled. Based on his own experience, venturing into uncharted territories helps an artist to distinguish themselves and become known for their unique contributions. “Every risk you take is new information learned to better curate your financial objectives,” he emphasized. Lastly, he highlights the importance of refining one's message. The ability to connect with people at different times in their life journey ensures an artist's longevity. Thus, artists must frequently revisit and revise their personal message, making it relatable and relevant to their audience. This intimate connection to their art makes their audience more inclined to support them, leading to more sustainable financial success.
A Message for Black Fathers on Father’s Day
Jamaal invites Black men to enter a 'research phase,' an introspective period to recognize and begin healing from the trauma they carry. He stresses that unacknowledged pain and normalized trauma can only be healed when confronted and shared. He passionately advocates for Black men to counsel with each other and create safe spaces for open and honest dialogues.
Jamaal underscores the need for Black men to step up in the movement for change, affirming the tremendous role Black women have been playing in this arena. He calls upon Black men to dig into their identities, express their vulnerabilities, and rediscover a sense of kinship. In his call to action, he urges Black men to participate in everyday activities that build community and connection. He recommends forming groups, going for walks together, or having regular conversations to dismantle the isolating feelings commonly experienced by Black men and fathers. When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Jamaal says his mission is to be remembered as a man who fulfilled his word.