Celebrated Ghanaian sound engineer, composer and songwriter, Jeff Tennyson Quaye, known in the music scene as Jay Q, was honoured at this year’s edition of the annual Ghana Entertainment Awards USA.
He dedicated his award to the late hip-hop musician Castro, whom he worked with on a number of projects.
This year’s Ghana Entertainment Awards USA was held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. Notable award recipients included the well-known music producer Jay Q.
At the awards ceremony, Jay Q received recognition for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment and creative arts sectors of Ghana.
In his speech of acceptance, he paid tribute to the late Castro. He also thanked God, Ghanaian musicians, and other music industry stakeholders in Ghana and abroad for their significant contributions to the development of his career.
He feels that those involved in the music industry should also be named recipients of the prize, as they have made significant contributions to his professional development.
Reflecting on his musical journey, which begun with a rap group Buk Bak several decades ago and eventually extended to embrace an extensive portfolio, Jay Q highlighted his partnerships with Castro on various projects. July 6, as the 10th anniversary of Castro’s missing.
Jay Q expressed sadness over the unanswered question regarding Castro’s whereabouts in addition to his thanks for the award.
As the CEO of Q-Lex Recording Studio and founder of Q-Lex Entertainment, Jay Q has produced albums and managed the careers of numerous musicians, including Akosua Agyapong, Buk Bak, VIP, Castro, Mzbel, Obrafour, Daddy Lumba, Nana Acheampong, Ofori Amponsah, Obuoba J. A. Adofo, Wulomei, and others.
Hiplife, Highlife, and Gospel are just a few of the genres he helped popularize. He has also had a significant impact on the careers of several artists.
With more than 250 mega-hit songs under his belt, Jay Q is a remarkable musician who seamlessly blends traditional Ghanaian music with contemporary sounds.
Jay Q recorded and produced all of these analog productions in the 1990s at the Combined House of Music (CHM), in Accra.
Jay Q is acknowledged as having played a significant role in the popularization of hiplife, highlife, and gospel as a producer.
He brought hiplife to Jama (kpanlogo), who went on to become a renowned figure who was welcomed throughout Ghana, Africa, and the world.
Jay Q, who is presently residing in the US, was recognized in Ghana in 2003 as the Best Sound Engineer.