Jabari “X-Factor” Exum is an electrifying performing artist, percussionist, writer, and educator born and raised in Washington, DC. Rooted in West African and Latin percussion traditions while deeply influenced by Hip-Hop culture, Jabari’s artistic voice bridges rhythm, theater, storytelling, and cultural memory.

Since 1997, Jabari has been a pioneering force within the Hip-Hop Theater movement, blending live percussion, spoken word, movement, and contemporary storytelling into transformative performance experiences.

His collaborations and mentorship lineage span legendary artists, educators, and cultural innovators including Chadwick Boseman, KRS-One, Mamady Keita, Sonya Sanchez, Marc Cary, Raheem DeVaughn, and Dr. Cornel West.