Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Some people have one lane. I've never believed in that. I'm Jean-Francis, builder, musician, cultural producer, drone pilot and storyteller. During the day I manage critical government facilities for DC's Department of General Services, a forensic laboratory and DC's Unified Communications Center. Environments where nothing can go wrong. That precision is in my DNA, and it shows up in everything I do. Including what I do from the air. As an FAA Part 107 licensed drone videographer with deep experience inside government and construction facilities, I offer something most pilots can't. I know these buildings. I understand site logistics, safety protocols, and what project stakeholders actually need to see. To learn more visit: atlanticaerial.com And then there's the music. I'm a vocalist, guitarist, and bassist and the founder and leader of Sahel. I've performed as a solo act at the Kennedy Center Honors Celebrity Brunch multiple years running, played the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and sang background for Omar, the celebrated British soul artist. Music isn't a side project. It's the root of everything. That musical foundation powers my work as a cultural producer. I produced Afrocidade, a DC Arts Commission-sponsored production that DC Theater Arts called an exhilarating look into the shared culture and history between DC and Salvador Bahia, Brazil. As a former DC Commissioner for African Affairs and a multilingual creator fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, I help tourism boards, diaspora communities, and cultural organizations tell the stories that define who they are, on camera, on stage, and in the air. If your community has a story worth telling, I know how to find its best angle. As CEO of Black Atlantic and Sahel Music LLC, I connect African and diaspora artists to the platforms and opportunities they deserve. To learn more, visit: blkatlantic.com sahel.com
Black Atlantic is an art organization housing original music projects, educational workshops and cultural exchange initiatives focused on the African diaspora. As Founder and Artistic Director of Sahel, Jean-Francis leads a band interpreting musical genres rooted in African culture and diaspora traditions. He is also the creator and producer of Afrocidade, a DC Arts Commission-sponsored multicultural production celebrated by DC Theater Arts for its exploration of the shared cultural history between Washington DC and Salvador Bahia, Brazil. Performance credits under Black Atlantic include solo guitarist and vocalist at the Kennedy Center Honors Celebrity Brunch multiple years running, and performances at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.
Oversees critical government facilities for the District of Columbia including the 911 Unified Communications Center interfacing with the Department of Homeland Security (HSEMA), the Wilson Building (Office of the Mayor), the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory, the Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Responsibilities span facility operations, contract oversight, vendor management, and ensuring uninterrupted function of high-stakes public infrastructure.
Served as Commissioner for the Office of African Affairs, one of seven branches within DC's Office of Community Affairs representing all seven world regions within the District. Advocated for the African diaspora community at the highest levels of DC government, connecting policy, culture, and community engagement.
Nearly two decades as a working musician across Washington DC. Co-founded Odara Productions, an independent music company producing Rock, Soul, Hip-Hop, House and World music. Served as Musical Director and Singer for Orquesta Ashe, a Cuban Salsa/Timba orchestra. Performed bass and vocals for Sitali, a Rock and Roll power trio, and as bassist for Lucy Brown, a Hard Rock act signed to Atlantic Records.