what he does

Equally at ease in the classroom, the boardroom or the Pulpit, jeff obafemi carr is a highly sought after public speaker. With an astonishingly diverse professional background, carr possesses the benefits of experience and execution. Whether he is motivating students to become leaders, lecturing on the history of Black Drama, coaching corporate CEOs and professional athletes, lighting up the stage and screen, or relating meaningful stories to large crowds, jeff’s presence and energy is infectious and electrifying. He is available for booking in any of the following areas:

Speaking

A mesmerizing public speaker, jeff has spoken at colleges, universities, civil and social organizations, churches, and corporations nation wide, not to mention his regular round table appearances on National Public Radio’s News and Notes with Ed Gordon. His off-the-cuff, direct and thoughtful style brings audiences to their feet and challenges them to look deep within to effect positive change. jeff speaks his thoughts on a diverse number of subjects, including his own personal story, of struggle and overcoming obstacles and self-doubt. Peruse his Vita and discover how he can motivate and touch you and your organization, then fill out a Booking Inquiry.

The Hit One-Man Play

Being a Renaissance Man has its privileges. Wearing many hats has taught jeff to embrace the concept. That’s how he lets seven people inhabit his body for a two-act dramatic journey that keeps audiences talking for weeks. How Blak Kin Eye Bee? is the question he asks and answers in this phenomenal, critically acclaimed production.

Coaching

He doesn’t know the Xs and Os of the football field, but he has helped navigate the murky waters of leadership and discovery for actors, athletes, administrators, and CEOs. jeff has helped individuals and organizations reach their goals with confidence and style. jeff provides individual instruction in Acting, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Writing. A review of his Bio will detail his own accomplishments and show how he can help others to reach their dreams.

Master Classes

Have a drama, film, radio, or journalism program that would benefit from being visited by a working professional from the field? jeff has presented Master Classes in both academic and community settings. The Founding Artistic Director of Amun Ra Theatre is known for being able to make the abstract seem simple. He does this in an inclusive, fun environment that leaves attendees transformed. Whether it’s a one to three hour university course block, or a limited residency for a school or company, jeff’s understanding of the principles of his field(s) is both scholarly and practical. Topics of previous classes have been: Ancient Egypt and Ritual Drama, Inside The Third Eye, Making a Living as an Artist—the real deal, Blacks in American popular culture, How Black Can I Be: The challenges of being an artist of color, Diversity: what it really means, African-American Drama, The Plight of the Playwright.

Voiceover

With excellent diction and control, jeff has been an in-demand voiceover artist for years. He has done numerous commercials for clients ranging from politicians to banks to food chains. He voiced multiple characters for the popular children’s cd Before The People Came., and many other characters for Wood ‘N Strings puppet theatre’s nationally-touring production based on the Anansi The Spider folktales. He is known to be a quick study and a versatile voice performer.

Jazz Vocals

A throwback to the days of Nat King Cole, jeff possesses the rare gift of a silky-smooth voice, a commanding presence, and a commitment to the preservation of the “old school” music we’ve all come to know and love. His music is the standards, from the work of Duke Ellington and Count Basie, to songs popularized by Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, Johnny Hartman, and many others. Backed by a band of the finest jazz musicians in America today, jeff has hypnotized crowds at Jazz festivals and at appearances at one of his favorite local hot jazz spots, F. Scotts. Borrowing a phrase from one of his mentors, the legendary Dr. J. Robert Bradley, jeff says, “I never sing a song I don’t feel.” Hear what he means by listening to his interpretation of the classic When I Fall In Love. jeff obafemi carr & Friends are available for booking for very selective dates.