MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Hailing from a musical family, Jakeim’s musical interests began at just four years old observing his father, Keith, at the piano. However, his interests could not be contained to just one instrument. By eight, also under the guidance of his father, he began learning drums, both djembe and drum kit. By nine, he’d finally found his home on guitar.

Although music is at the core of his artistic background, he studied Theater and Africana studies at Muhlenberg College, venturing abroad to Arezzo, Italy a semester to study at Academia dell’Arte. His professional debut was a production of Next to Normal at Casa Mañana Theater directed by Eric Woodall. Shortly after followed a staged concert version of Stephen Sondheim’s first musical, Saturday Night, at Second Stage Theater, in which Sondheim was in attendance. Most recently, Jakeim originated the role of Amir in the world premiere musical, We Live in Cairo, at American Repertory Theater. Additionally, Jakeim has been featured in guest starring roles on television shows like “Blue Bloods” on CBS and “The Affair” on Showtime.

Credits:

Broadway: Sing Street (Larry), A.R.T.: We Live in Cairo (Amir). Off-Broadway: Saturday Night In Concert (Dino), Second Stage. Regional: Next to Normal, Casa Mañana (Henry). Workshops: The Visitor (Ensemble), Public Theater; We Live in Cairo, NYTW/A.R.T. TV/Film: “Blue Bloods,” CBS; “The Affair,” Showtime. Education/​Training: Muhlenberg College; Accademia dell’Arte (Arezzo, Italy)