Jabari Pemberton, who is known as the Virgin Islands artist, Bari, is a 2024 graduate of the Elmore Stoutt High School. As a former Prince (2017) of the Virgin Islands Festival Prince and Princess Pageant, everyone saw that he was talented, intelligent, and confident. Bari is also an aspiring track athlete specializing in Long Jump and sprints. I chatted with him on January 26, 2025, so that he could share some insights with his growing fan base.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Bari said he is still shocked that he is writing and performing music at this level. He started with a band, Pure Drive Squad, but they eventually separated. His parents encouraged him to continue his musical pursuits, especially with his father's legacy as a vocalist in a local band.
What was your first single that you put out?
His first single was Squeeze with Jayqoi Hopkins in 2022. However, his first solo single was Which One? which was released in 2024.
Who is your team behind the music?
- Diamante & Djimon Gumbs
- Johntà Charles
Who writes your lyrics?
I write my lyrics.
What are your plans for your music for 2025?
I look forward to dropping more material. I haven’t been performing so much because I am working on a new sound. Creating my own sound is one of the goals.
What type of music do you listen to and who are the top artists on your playlist?
I listen to a lot of genres, including:
- R&B
- Soca
- VI Calypso/Soca/Bram
- Soul.
The top artists I listen to are Big Shaw, Kes, Machel Montano, and Riiqo Live from St Croix.
What stage have you always dreamed of performing on?
Anguilla was the biggest stage I have performed on so far, and Virgin Gorda will be next.
My dream is to travel to perform in St Thomas or St John, and once the call comes, I’m going!
Which artists would you want to collaborate with (local, regional, and international)?
I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Boss on a song, Follow Through.
I would also like the opportunity to collaborate with:
- Big Shaw
- Riiqo Live
- Papo Productions
- Jougo
- Adam O
Are you willing to experiment with other genres?
Bari said that he would be willing to try reggae or afrobeat, and he has been encouraged to try reggae.
Will you be continuing your aspirations in track and field?
Yes for sure. I love being versatile and have never been comfortable just doing one thing.
Share something with the readers that most people don’t know about you.
I’m not really good with getting attention. I’m not doing the music for that. I just love music!
Please share some advice for the younger generation.
Bari was happy to respond to this question to share his advice.
- Be yourself!
- I don’t think people should focus on fitting in.
- Be genuine! Be positive!
- With the effort you put in – you will reap the benefits.
- Once you get too comfortable – everything will go downhill.
Anything else you would like to share with the readers?
Bari is a hardworking guy. I work 24-7 and I hardly sleep. I am a humble guy. Even though I don’t do well with getting lots of attention, I am a very kind person and I love to have conversations with people.
Who would you like to shout out?
- My parents,
- Everybody who had a part to play in my music journey and overall upbringing – those who helped to mold me,
- My team, Djimon, Diamante and Johntà ,
- Khari Fahie, my bassist,
- The whole BVI massive for pushing me because one hand can’t clap, and
- A special big-up to my management team, Promo by Putna.
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