Ahsan Watts (born 1999), known professionally as Ahsan J.A., is a teenage soul and R&B singer from Newark, New Jersey.[1]
Ahsan J.A. | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ahsan Watts |
| Born | 1999 (age 24–25) Newark, New Jersey U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, R&B |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | Interscope records |
| Website | Official website |
Ashan Watts gained initial attention when his cover of The Jackson 5's "Who's Lovin' You" went viral on YouTube and again after a second video featured a surprise appearance by Stevie Wonder that ended in a duet of "Ribbon in the Sky".[2][3] Ahsan credits classic soul and R&B artists such as Stevie Wonder, Frankie Lymon, and Michael Jackson for inspiring him to join his grandfather, Bishop L. C. Terry Sr, in his Fellowship of Holiness Church choir in Newark, NJ, at the age of five. His godfather, Don Richardson, who signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings as a child, brought attention to Ahsan's voice.[4][5]
After his signing with Interscope Records in 2012,[6] Ahsan performed a cover of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," featuring Lucki Gurlz.[7] In November 2013, his single "Under" was released. The song gave attention to Ahsan's motivation to avoid succumbing to the ghetto lifestyles of his native Newark.[5][8][9][10]
Among his live appearances are Arthur Ashe Kids' Day and at Stevie Wonder's 17th Annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert in 2012.[11] He has performed in Newark as guest of Mayor Cory Booker,[12] Newark mayoral candidate, Ras J. Baraka.,[13] and Darlene Love at NJPAC.[14] In 2014, Ahsan toured with Ashanti to Jackson Rancheria.[15]
References
edit- ^ "Newark Teen Uses Voice to Prevent Youth from Falling 'Under'". January 14, 2016.
- ^ Plumb, Alastair (May 2, 2012). "14-Year-Old Musical Prodigy Ahsan J.A. Covers The Jackson 5's "Who's Lovin' You"". HuffPost. UK. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
- ^ Francis, Alys (December 13, 2012). "Stevie Wonder crashes boy's recording session". Australia: News Nine MSN. Archived from the original on March 27, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Barker, Lynn (May 28, 2012). "Ahsan: We're "Lovin'" This Soul Man". Kidzworld.
- ^ a b "Ashan Under". Hype Access. November 4, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
- ^ "Ahsan Watts Bio". EP Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Kulendran, Dayalan "DeeKay" (May 3, 2012). "Young Interscope artist Ahsan covers Jackson 5's "Who's Loving You" [Video]". Soul Culture. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ "Ahsan's Powerful New Music Video Depicts A Day in the Life on the Jersey Streets". HuffPost. November 19, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Langevine, Kurt (December 22, 2013). "Ashan Watts; Under". TKB Report. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Simmons, Russell (November 19, 2013). "The Forgotten Ones by Russell Simmons". Global Grind. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Baltin, Steve (December 16, 2012). "Stevie Wonder Calls for Stronger Gun Laws During House Full of Toys Benefit". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
- ^ Farrell, Tom (March 1, 2012). "Newark mayor Cory Booker delivered his sixth State of the City address at NJPAC". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Giambuso, David (March 26, 2014). "Newark mayor's race: Baraka hosts star-studded birthday fundraiser". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Mr. C (December 24, 2012). "PLANET CHOCKO – art/music/movies/beyond". Planet Chocko. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
- ^ "Ashanti" (Press release). Jackson Rancheria. n.d. Archived from the original on April 2, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014.