Jabari Banks


Patrick Jabari Campbell, known professionally as Jabari Banks, is an American actor and musician. He is best known for starring as Will Smith in the Peacock drama Bel-Air. In addition to acting, he releases music under the mononym Jabari, including the EP ULTRA.

Early life

Banks was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He attended Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, where he first became involved in acting, singing, and writing music.
Banks has family in West Philadelphia and spent time there throughout his upbringing. After high school, he moved to Philadelphia full-time and lived in North Philadelphia for about six years while attending the University of [the Arts (Philadelphia)|University of the Arts]. He studied musical theater before leaving the program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Banks, he began using his middle name, Jabari, professionally in high school. He later chose the surname "Banks" as a stage name, inspired by his favorite television series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Career

Acting

Banks made his television debut in 2022 in the leading role of Will Smith in Peacock’s Bel-Air, a dramatic reimagining of the 1990 sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His performance earned him a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards.
In 2024, Banks appeared in the heist thriller Bad Genius.

Music

Banks is also active as a musician, releasing work under the mononym Jabari. His official Spotify biography highlights his creative background, his early artistic development, and the importance of spiritual alignment in his work.
He released his debut single "Something Else" in 2023, followed by "Weekend Drive" in 2024. In 2025, he released the 8-track EP ULTRA, which includes the songs:
  • "Lobby"
  • "No Trouble"
  • "that one laundromat"
  • "Makeup Sex"
  • "Eastside bb"
  • "In My Head"
  • "ULTRA"
  • "Amen."

    Filmography

Television

Film

Discography

EPs

  • ''ULTRA''

    Singles

  • "Something Else"
  • "Weekend Drive"

    Awards and nominations

Discography

EPs

  • ''ULTRA''

    Singles

  • “Something Else”
  • “Weekend Drive”