The Island Music Conference's second edition is scheduled from February 21 to 25, featuring a star-studded lineup, captivating panels, and much more
L-R: Shaggy, Rvssian & Masicka
The Island Music Conference is gearing up for its second staging in Kingston, bringing together a stellar lineup of influential figures from the music industry. Jamaican Superproducer Rvssian, dancehall stars Masicka, Teejay, Konshens, and the Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, are set to converge for this event from February 21st to 25th. Other acts such as Ghanian artiste Stonebwoy, renowned rapper Wyclef Jean, R&b singer Mya, filmmaker Jay Will, Soca artiste Kes, and Skinny Fabulous will also be part of this powerhouse gathering.
The conference kicks off with a panel discussion titled "New Genres of the Caribbean" on the first day, featuring Rvssian and Masicka, alongside DJ Trini, songwriter/producer Mikie Bennett, and Dr. Stefan Walcott, a Cultural Studies lecturer at the University of the West Indies. An exciting addition to this year's conference is a two-day songwriting workshop led by Mikie Bennett, offering aspiring artists and songwriters a unique opportunity to enhance their skills, with one individual having the chance to professionally record their song.
Event chairman, Dancehall legend Shaggy, emphasizes the importance of fostering conversations within the music fraternity to contribute to the growth and enrichment of careers. "I believe that with the right effort, we can see a music fraternity wherein artistes and professionals across the board stand to gain more than they lose. That starts with a conversation," Shaggy said.
IMC 2024, held predominantly at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston, features more than 15 panels, including the captivating IMC Showcase and the Style & Film event.
Throughout the conference, participants will have access to panels, workshops, and keynote addresses on crucial global music topics, such as the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the music industry, publicity nuances, branding strategies, artiste management, and digital music marketing. A highlight is the session on "How to Make the News," exploring effective ways for artistes to capture media attention in the digital age.
The conference concludes with panels on "Making Music Videos That Matter," "Sound System - Reach and Relevance," and "Caribbean Music and Film," featuring screenings of Short Films from the Caribbean and the Jamaican Premiere of the feature “Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall”. The Island Music Conference aims to nurture the growth of Caribbean music worldwide, fostering connections between stakeholders and providing an intimate platform for personalized interactions with industry leaders.
Judith Bodley, Co-Founders of the IMC (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
