We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jesse Childs. Check out our conversation below.
Jesse, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose all sense of time when I’m producing music or working on a film project. Writing, making beats, editing footage, and learning about my craft are all things that put me in a place where time is suspended and hours can pass without noticing. It comes to a point where I have to set reminders to take breaks.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Greetings, I’m Jesse Childs, artist, writer, and creative producer. I founded the Afromerican Project as a production company and record label, and I perform using the name Jahsee Music. The purpose of the Afromerican Project is to connect the African Diaspora living in the Americas with our roots in Africa and around the world. I’m currently working on a documentary called “Romkalaneh: Returning Home” about a group of Afro-Diasporians who are using DNA testing and the internet to connect with their ancestry in modern-day Sierra Leone. I’m directing, producing, and providing music for the project, which is due to hit the festival circuit in the next couple of years. This year also marks the 5th anniversary of my debut EP titled COA$TS. In celebration of this milestone we created a short film of music videos filmed in and around Freetown while working on “Romkalaneh.” The visuals and short film for COA$T$ are available on my YouTube channel.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
From my experience, greed or wanting more than you need at the expense of others having enough breaks the bonds between people. Ego and individualism are essential aspects of being a whole, healthy person, but if left unchecked, they can become toxic in all kinds of relationships. I’ve found that humility and accountability are two things that will restore the bonds between people. It’s crucial to acknowledge when we have wronged others and be honest with ourselves that we have to do better at some point. If not, we risk sacrificing human connection for material gain.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Music has always been a restorative force in my life. I used to listen to songs while reading the lyrics and liner notes to some of my favorite albums as a way to escape the traumas of childhood and early adulthood. That progressed to writing poems and songs and learning how to make music as a greater extension of the healing power of music.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think the biggest lie the entertainment industry tells itself is that Black Art (music, film, TV, etc) doesn’t have international appeal. This is especially true for the movie industry. I think Hip-Hop has proven that an American art form rooted in Black culture can become a dominant global force. It’s only a matter of time before film studios and distributors begin taking Black filmmakers more seriously and introduce them to broader global audiences.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I take away all of my professional identity and material possessions, my integrity would remain. I’m deeply committed to my family and community. I make sure that I keep my word, stay true to myself, and strive to honor the legacy I’ve inherited while creating something greater for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jahseemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jahseemusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessechilds/
- Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessechilds/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jahseemusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jahsee
- Other: https://afromericanproject.com/
