ft. Jeff Enebly
Hustle & Leisure: Featuring Jeff Enebly aka Flygerian Jeff
In Conversation with Esi Acolatse
Entrepreneur | DJ | Cultural Curator
In this edition of Hustle & Leisure, we’re excited to spotlight Jeff Enebly, known in the Bay and beyond as Flygerian Jeff—a community builder, event architect, and cultural connector who’s helping redefine what it means to create with purpose. Whether he's curating Afrobeats experiences, championing Pan-African unity, or simply vibing out to the sound of the ocean, Jeff's work reminds us that the hustle means little without the heart.
What do you do for work?
I’m a full-time entrepreneur and also work as a digital marketer. My work lives at the intersection of community, culture, and creativity.
What motivated you to get into your field?
Entrepreneurship came from a deep desire to have ownership—over my time, my ideas, and the experiences I wanted to build. I had already been working with other brands in the city and saw many come and go. I knew that with a bit more professionalism and vision, there was untapped potential. I wanted to step in and own something that felt rooted.
What are the top 3–5 things that helped get you to where you are today?
Motivation beyond myself. When your “why” is bigger than you, it keeps you moving.
Accountability. Having people count on me means I can’t afford to slack.
Purpose. It’s like having a pet or child—someone else depends on you to show up.
Faith in the vision. Even when things get quiet, the purpose still speaks.
What has networking done for your career?
Networking has been transformative. Even though I don’t always recognize it as “networking,” meeting like-minded people organically—through events, travels, or mutual connections—has led to incredible opportunities. Sometimes it’s just a friend of a friend who can call someone, and boom, you're connected to the Berner Boy’s house in Nigeria. That kind of web doesn’t build itself—it comes from real connections.
What’s a recent project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
Helping my friend Sedi navigate Nigeria for the first time. I kept it quiet, didn’t post, didn’t share—I just focused on making the experience as meaningful as possible. That taught me that success thrives in silence. When you hold space for something to grow privately, it often flourishes more fully.
What’s the next big goal you’re working on?
I’m focusing on helping Afrobeats re-center its sound and soul. There’s been a shift since 2019—things slowed down, and the connection between artists and listeners started to blur. I’m passionate about making sure our music culture doesn’t lose its heart to the algorithm or to Western influence. Authenticity over accolades.
What makes the work you do worth it? What brings you the most joy?
Creating spaces where people from all walks of life feel seen and celebrated. I originally built United Tribes of Africa as a platform for African Americans to experience Afrobeats and connect to the continent. Today, it’s grown into something much bigger—a unified, Pan-African vibe that brings the diaspora together. Seeing that joy, that unity, on people’s faces? That’s everything.
How do you maintain your hustle on days when motivation is low? What does self-care look like for you?
Morning solitude is my sacred time—between 3 to 5 AM is when I claim my energy. I meditate, journal my wins, maybe jog, but mostly just be. It’s also been almost two years since I’ve had a drink—not because alcohol is bad, but because I needed to stay grounded. When motivation is low, I lean into routine and protect my mornings like they’re gold.
What’s a significant setback or failure you’ve experienced, and what did you learn from it?
Not documenting enough. I’ve thrown over 6,000 events, but I can’t show you all of them. In hindsight, controlling the narrative is more important than I thought. I wish I’d captured more, shared more, and told the story from the beginning. There’s power in documentation—it shapes legacy.
How would you spend 24 hours in your city if you had to disappear the next day?
I’d wake up early, hike in Oakland, grab coffee at Ocean Beach Café, and end the day watching the sunset from Grizzly Peak. I’d also hit the Golden Gate Bridge—fun fact, I’m the only Afrobeats DJ to spin right next to it—and wrap the night with my people, somewhere vibey. Nature and nostalgia—my perfect 24.
What does celebration look like for you?
Silence. Rest. I turn everything off, lay down, and just float—mentally, spiritually, physically. That’s my reward. After big wins like All-Star Weekend or event weekends back-to-back, I don’t party. I rest like I’ve earned it. Because I have.
In your opinion, what makes for a toasted life?
A toasted life is built on community. It’s about creating intentional moments with people who make you feel seen and known. Toasted Life went against that “no new friends” energy and gave us something different—connection, memory-making, joy without judgment. A toasted life means you can show up as your full self, have fun, and still be respected in your field.
