Meet Jahari Stampley: Musician, Game Developer, Composer & Animator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jahari Stampley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jahari, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
For me, I always strive to push myself by learning new skills outside of my comfort zone. Success comes in many standards and is relative to the individual. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy perspective and being happy with yourself is what determines success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am nearly finished with my first mobile music video game “Piano Chronicles” featuring Jacob Collier & many more atists (to be released in 1-2 weeks). I am currently finishing an animated music video (in which I’ve created & animated all character designs) for my first album which will also be released very soon. I am also nearly finished with an online interactive music course (for all skill levels) that goes in depth, analyzing several great musicians (as well as what I personally practiced starting out). As an artist, I personally try not to limit myself to doing one main thing. I plan to continue to keep creating and learning as many new skills as I can hope to imagine. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that striving to be better should always be for yourself, rather than to compare yourself to others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With Chicago being such a vast and diverse place, I’d first take them to see live music from the “New Black Renaissance” led by world renowned pianist, keyboardist, organist, personal mentor and one of my biggest inspirations, Tony Cazeau. He puts together artists from all around Chicago where various different styles of music can be heard (Gospel, Jazz, Fusion, Blues, R&B, etc.). A lot of this music can be heard at venues such as: Culture Food & Entertainment, The Promontory, The Quarry Chi, House of Blues Chicago and many more. I’d next suggest going to explore the downtown area (near Navy Pier). There is so much amazing food and an abundant amount of scenery to enjoy. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give special thanks to a person who is not only a Grammy nominated, world-class artist who has toured and traveled the world as a band leader, but a person who also happens to be my mother, D-Erania Stampley. I (quite literally) wouldn’t be where I am without her. Her and my father, Steve Stampley, are the reason I was encouraged to continue to do what I love.

Website: https://www.jaharistampley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaharistampleymusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaharistampley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaharistampleymusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JahariStampley/videos