Nigel L. Walker was born February 13, 1980, to David and Jacqueline T. Walker. He was born and raised in Eufaula, AL, along with seven brothers and sisters. Jacqueline raised all eight children as a single mother in the public housing projects throughout his childhood. Nigel’s interest in music and writing started very early as he sang in church and as part of the glee club at Bluff City Elementary School. His interest in writing increased in middle school as he served on the school newspaper at Admiral Moorer Middle School. He began to experiment with writing original pieces of literature including poems, stories, and songs. By the time Nigel reached high school, he was actively writing. His first publication came in Early Spring, the literary magazine of Eufaula High School. He graduated from EHS in 1998 with honors. After abandoning a full scholarship to Alabama State University due to personal issues, Nigel enrolled at Andrew College in 1999 on an academic and drama scholarship. There he began to discover the range of his talents. Majoring in education, he was also active in the music and drama departments, as well as being a peer tutor. He was regularly published in the Andrew College’s literary magazine, The Menagerie, and earned roles in three drama productions. Nigel had his first spoken word and poetry performances on the campus of Andrew College. He graduated with honors in 2001 with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and transferred to LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA in the fall of 2001.
Nigel L. Walker’s life was totally transformed when he arrived at LaGrange College. Nigel continued his love for music as a member of the LaGrange College choir. He was published in LaGrange College’s literary magazine, The Scroll, and served on the staff of the magazine. He became a regular performer in numerous events including Acoustic Café, Night at the Dodd, and the Cypher. He began to transition from a poetry / spoken word performer to becoming a hip hop artist. Near the end of his undergraduate years, he published his first book of poetry, The Secret Diaries of Jean Batiste (2004). He assumed the pseudonym “Jean Batiste” as his stage name. Together with his two brothers, Bama Boys Entertainment was created as Nigel transitioned into hip hop performing. During that time he also had befriended a group of accomplished musicians, artists, producers, and writers that would include nationally performing gospel group A7, rapper and radio personality Thomas Roach (Stess the Emcee), highly acclaimed rapper Roger McDowell (Blac Boi), gospel singer John Dreher, just to name a few. The group A7 included music producer David A. Harris, who produced much of Nigel’s earlier songs before going on to produce for renowned MBK Entertainment. Ultimately, Nigel received a bachelors (‘04), masters (’06), and specialist (’11) degree all from LaGrange College. Since his graduation, Nigel Walker has spoken and performed at countless events, many of which were planned through Bama Boys Entertainment and family founded non-profit organization, Susies Bundle of Blessing, Inc . (2010).
Nigel L. Walker is married with 2 children. He is a full-time teacher, but continues to speak, perform, and serve the community. He is also very active in the creative arts department of his church.
