5 Questions with Quada

A youngster with a deep passion for music and a determination to be heard is how associates describe Shacquelle Clarke, better known as Quada, a name he says stands for: Quite Unusual Applicable Dancehall Artistry.

The teenage Quada was as immersed in the rudiments of the recording studio as he was in his schoolwork, patiently waiting for the day when music would fully become his life’s mission. It was during those years that he began developing the sound people would later come to know him for: a deep baritone voice, smooth delivery, and an ability to move between different sides of dancehall without sounding out of place.

His bio states that the opportunity that changed everything came in 2016 when Quada entered Popcaan’s Unruly Clash and finished second in the competition. His performance, however, caught Popcaan’s attention, and that connection led to his becoming part of the Unruly movement, giving the young artiste his first major platform.

Quada appeared alongside Popcaan and Jafrass on Unruly Camp, the collaboration which introduced him to a much wider audience and marked the beginning of a new stage in his career. Other songs followed, including Money and Well Bad, a title which became an extension of his name.

In 2017, he linked with Bakersteez for the Nuh Badda mixtape, a project which incorporated the then burgeoning trap influences and demonstrated his foresight and willingness to explore musically. February 2018 brought the much-talked-about Reflex, which signalled a major move in helping to establish his name and his brand.

“Quada was no longer simply one of the young talents around Popcaan; listeners were beginning to know his voice and music for themselves,” insiders said.

Quada has faced challenges, but he is persistent. This week, he sits down with 5 Questions With ... for an honest discourse.

1. What have you learned about independence since establishing your own Wellbad Entertainment?

For me, ownership was the main reason for establishing Wellbad Entertainment. I wanted to own my masters and have control over my art, how I release it and what I build around it. You put so much of yourself into the music, so having ownership of that work and a say in its future means a lot to me.

2. How does your recent mindset, reflected in tracks like ‘Dweet’, differ from your earlier breakout era when you released ‘Hail’?

My music reflects my life, so I’m always going to sing about what I’m going through. Hail came from where I was at that point in my life, and Dweet reflects where I am now. As I grow and experience different things, that comes through in the music. The experiences may change, but I’m still being honest about what I’m living.

3. Your legal battles have been tied up in the Jamaican court system since 2020. How difficult is it to balance a music career while carrying the weight of an unresolved murder charge?

Well, it has been several years, and honestly, it has felt like a dark cloud hanging over me, especially being unable to travel and facing difficulties getting certain permits. That has affected my ability to take up opportunities overseas and connect with my fans in person. It has been frustrating, but I’m still putting in the work and staying focused on the music.

4. You have frequently posted “God is the Greatest” when talking about surviving your struggles. How important has your spiritual faith been in keeping you grounded through the chaos of the last few years?

My faith helps me stay grounded and grateful for life, even when things are difficult. I give thanks for the people around me, my support system, and the people who continue to stand by me. Sometimes you have to learn to separate your life from your life situation. You can be going through a hard time and still have things to be thankful for. That’s what keeps me going.

5. What does the rest of 2026 and beyond look like for Quada, and are there any major international collaborations, music videos, or stage shows on the horizon?

We’re still promoting Dweet, and we just dropped a single featuring Silk Boss called Streets Love Nobody. We also have a collaboration with Afro B that will be part of a project coming in 2027. Right now, the focus is on giving the music we have out the push it deserves while building towards that next project. There’s more to come, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with the fans.

BRAWTA:

What would fans be most surprised to learn about Quada?

People might be surprised by how much I think about life outside of music. Sometimes people see Quada the artiste — the energy, the songs, the image — but, away from that, I’m very reflective. I think a lot about business, family, the future and becoming a better version of myself. I’m actually more laid-back than people might expect. I enjoy simple things and having genuine people around me. After everything I’ve experienced, peace means much more to me now. So, behind the Quada everybody knows, there’s really just somebody who is still learning, growing and trying to make the most of the life and talent God gave him.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com