| About Jah Quest | Biography Birth: Singer, Songwriter, Producer. James Lester Turnquest Jr. was born on August 10, 1982, on the island of New Providence in the city of Nassau, The Bahamas, to working-class Bahamian parents (James Turnquest Sr. & Madlyn Rolle-Turnquest). Career beginnings: James, like many of today’s artists, began singing in his local church choir from the tender age of five (5). During his last years in high school, James joined musical forces with some of his high school buddies (Keno Thurston, Brian Evans, and Lamont Forbes) and formed a four-man group called “Charisma”. Consequently, after a few years of singing to concerts, social, networking and school events, they called it quits to pursue separate genres of music. In 2004, James and a former member of Charisma (Brian Evans) decided to join their talents and much mature musical voices, and form a group called “JABE” with James’ mother (Madlyn) as their Manager. They released a hit single entitled “Feelings Just The Same”. This song blazed the Bahamian charts. The song was produced by Ocean Music Studios - Zoltan Johnson and Greg White. JABE brought back the good old days with their soft, clean, hypnotizing, and harmonious R&B sounds. The dynamic duo was offered a recording deal with Ocean Music Studios which one of the partners refused for personal reasons. The two along with their Manager traveled to Atlanta to seek record deals, but the trip proved to be unsuccessful due to the fact that they were not able to get in contact with the A&R representatives. They returned home to New Providence and continued marketing their music locally with the expectation of being discovered by the ‘perfect’ record company some day. Shortly after, the group experienced a split and went their separate ways. Alias: James on the other hand was undergoing a change in musical genres; understanding his purpose for his life and his career in music. After going through so many ups and downs in his music career, he decided to put the music aside to discover himself through his writing and singing. Nonetheless, he decided to gain a deeper relationship with the Lord, and as a result, his stage alias was transformed to “JahQuest” – Quest being the last five letters in his surname (Turnquest). He knew that he was called to something even greater. He began writing and releasing songs on local radio stations again in 2007. The music production he felt was not good enough, but it was the message that he wanted in the hearts of the listeners, and it was so appropriate for the time because his little ‘paradise’ - The Bahamas was experiencing rapid murders and crime.A few months later James released a tribute song to his mother entitled “Mama” featured by Jah Levy on 104.5 FM and 102.9FM radio stations. Producing: JahQuest got more serious and focused in the music business once again. He began working with Producer/Singer/Songwriter/Gospel Artist – Mr. Lynx. Mr. Lynx became an inspiration to his musical come-back and his change in genre (R&B & Reggae). JahQuest started to become interested in not only singing and writing, but producing. ABOUT JAH-QUEST: JahQuest introduces himself as a Positive & Inspirational Artist. JahQuest explains that even though he is a Christian - someone who follows Godly principles, someone who carries the message and gospel of Christ to the world, he simply does not want the world to place him in a ‘box’ when he knows that he is meant for so much more. JahQuest notes that he is a spiritual person, but he realizes he has to be all things to all men. JahQuest states that he loves and appreciated all facets of music especially (R&B). Genre: As you would have read earlier, JahQuest began his music career within the R&B genre. However, after having a musical and career change he turned to the R&B and Reggae (mix) genre with a main focus on conscious positive lyrics. His style has been compared to that of Beres Hammond and other smooth-rocking performers/artists. |
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