Jesse Sahbi, born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire and now a proud American citizen living in San Francisco, has dedicated his life to art, storytelling, and music. From the age of 15, Jesse sculpted his first Zeerbeez figures using clay, wood, and natural materials from his village. By his late teens, his drawings gained recognition, earning him a column in his country’s national newspaper Fraternité Matin.

For over two decades, his Zeerbeez comics were published across 14 African countries, making him a household name and landing him interviews on radio and television, including BBC Radio. Alongside his work as a fine art teacher, Jesse pursued his passion for music, touring as a singer and composer.

Today, Jesse brings his lifetime of creativity to the world stage with The 12 Zeerbeez World Champs 2026, where his characters use their gifts to inspire unity and peace through the power of soccer.