By Latrishka Thomas
He has shared stages with international heavyweights, represented his country on an international championship stage, and is now standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the Caribbean’s biggest DJ names on an awards ballot.
The Antiguan-born DJ, producer and event promoter, whose full name is Blashford Wilkins Jr, is nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in the category of Male International DJ of the Year. And when he finally found the words to describe what the moment means, he turned straight to the people who got him there.
“This is not just for me,” Quest said. “I feel like I’m just a representative. There are so many other talented DJs in Antigua that unfortunately just don’t get the same opportunity. This is for anybody who’s aspiring to do more, anybody who’s aspiring to push further.”
The nomination places him alongside OSOCITY, Travis World, Kevin Crown, Walshy Fire, DJ Puffy, and Private Ryan — a lineup that represents some of the most recognised selectors in the region.
Quest admits the recognition caught him completely off guard. “Somebody actually messaged me. I didn’t even know I was nominated. I’m like, yo, stop playing.”
It is pleasantly surprising in a way he says validates the grind. “It just goes to show that all the work that you’re putting in, even though you think that it’s not being seen by the right people, people are definitely seeing and people are definitely taking note.”
The nomination builds on an already great year. Quest was named DJ of the Year at the Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards; hometown recognition that arrived just before the wider region came calling.
Over the past decade he has performed for King Combs, opened for Akon, UB40, and Grammy Award-winning reggae artiste Koffee, and in 2019 he represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Red Bull 3Style Caribbean Championship in Panama, finishing first runner-up.
Through it all, his ambitions have never been small. “The goal for me has always been the bigger things outside of Antigua…just trying to keep up with my peers in all other parts of the world that are doing some really amazing things.”
Now he needs his country to show up. Preliminary voting is open via the Caribbean Music Awards website, with fans able to vote for up to three nominees per category. All votes are confidential. And he leaves no doubt about how much it matters: “We have 100,000 people in this country, and I hope that I can get 100,000 people to vote for me. I would not be in this position without the support of you guys.”
The Caribbean Music Awards honours entertainers who made a significant impact across genres including Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Kompa, Latin and Calypso throughout 2025.
For DJ Quest, the ballot is open. The question now is whether Antigua and Barbuda will answer.