James Antonio – Biography

From humble beginnings, born on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat, James fell in love with music from the tender age of eight. His fascination at this stage was the ‘guitar’. This interest began when, as a little boy, he daily visited the band house where the famous ‘Arrow’ who sang the world’s well-known ‘Hot- Hot-Hot’ rehearsed. He enjoyed peeking through cracks in the doors and walls of the wooden rehearsal building mainly focusing rapt attention on the guitarist. He recounted being awestruck each time and his aim from that age was to become the best guitar player that he possibly could.  Due to hardships encountered at that time, purchasing a guitar was a request he would not dare bring to his family however he was determined to improvise. He mimicked the original and made himself his very own first guitar from wood, nails and nylon strings. He worked on his guitar tirelessly until the day came when he proudly held his finished guitar in playing position and struck his first cord.

James received his first ‘manufactured’ guitar as a gift for his fifteenth birthday when he moved to St. Maarten in 1984. Shortly after he commenced musical training then joined a band ‘Harmony’ making his debut when he not only sang lead but played his guitar and made his first recording. Following his debut he was signed to and played with the ‘17 Plus’ Band and started to tour the Caribbean and USA.

Over the last 20 years he has toured as a lead guitarist, lead/backing vocalist for carnivals and music festivals all over the world including the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Canada, United States of America and the Caribbean. Some of the bands and artists he worked with include Kassav, Youth Wave, Bankie Banx, Omari Banx, Musington Brothers, 17 Plus, Hartatak, Chocolate Factory, Combination, Mighty Sparrow, Daville, PVI International, Christian Nara, Luc Leandry, Nickenson Prud’umme, Jeff Joseph, Sir Isidor York, Alan Cave, Oswald, Percy Rankin & The Bonfire, Remo & Barb Wire, and many more.

James Antonio Herbert has now completed a three-year course of study at the University of West London in ‘Pop performance and studio recording’. His aspiration in life is to be a renowned musician. His aim is to be versatile within the industry dabbling in various roles in order to be a well-rounded musician/producer. With James’ experience as a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and performer he will continue his professional development and make his mark in the music industry claiming and creating a unique sound.