Jota Quest

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Also known as

J. Quest

Years Active

1993

Genres

pop rock, rock, funk rock, acid jazz

Instruments

voz, violão, guitarra, teclados, baixo, bateria

Biography

Jota Quest is a prominent Brazilian pop rock band formed in 1993 in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Initially named J. Quest — in reference to the cartoon Jonny Quest and the British band Jamiroquai —, the group adopted the Portuguese pronunciation in the late 1990s to avoid copyright conflicts. The established lineup features lead vocalist Rogério Flausino, guitarist Marco Túlio Lara, keyboardist Márcio Buzelin, bassist PJ, and drummer Paulinho Fonseca. With a sound heavily influenced by funk rock, soul, and acid jazz, the band quickly conquered the university circuit in Minas Gerais before signing a contract with Sony Music and releasing their acclaimed self-titled debut album in 1996.

Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Jota Quest has accumulated massive hits that left a mark on the history of national pop music, such as "Fácil", "Só Hoje", "Dias Melhores", and "Amor Maior". The strong relationship with great icons of Brazilian music, like Tim Maia — who affectionately nicknamed the group and directly influenced their musical aesthetic —, opened doors for memorable partnerships with established names like Arnaldo Antunes, Milton Nascimento, Pitty, and Marcelo Falcão. The band also stood out for their expressive record sales, surpassing the mark of five million copies sold, in addition to accumulating prominent appearances at major festivals like Rock in Rio and international tours through Europe and the United States.

Remaining one of the most active forces in contemporary Brazilian rock, the group celebrated important milestones such as their commemorative tours for 15 and 25 years of career, recording these moments in several live albums and DVDs with wide public acclaim. Known for their energetic live performances and songs that blend political engagement, romanticism, and ecological messages, the members continue to sell out arenas and festivals all over the country, permanently consolidating themselves in the pantheon of the biggest record and download sellers in the Brazilian music industry.

Discography

• J. Quest (1995)
• Jota Quest (1996)
• De Volta ao Planeta (1998)
• Oxigênio (2000)
• Discotecagem Pop Variada (2002)
• MTV Ao Vivo (2003)
• Jota Quest (Ao Vivo) (2003)
• Na Moral / Só Hoje (2004)
• Rio de Janeiro, 28/01/2005 (2005)
• Até Onde Vai (2005)
• Jota Quest exclusivo Hermes (2005)
• La Plata (2008)
• Días Mejores (2010)
• Jota Quest Quinze (2011)
• Multishow Ao Vivo - Folia & Caos (2012)
• Rock In Rio (2012)
• Funky Funky Boom Boom (2013)
• Spotify Sessions (2014)
• Remixes Waiting For You (2014)
• Pancadélico (2015)
• #SML (2016)
• Músicas para Cantar Junto Acústico (2017)
• Acústico Jota Quest (2017)
• De Volta ao Novo - Vol. 1 (2023)
• De Volta ao Novo (2024)
• Jota Quest & Tim Maia – Dance Enquanto É Tempo (2026)