Artists, tastemakers and executives converged in Kingston, Jamaica February 19 by means of 23, 2025 for the third annual Island Music Convention (IMC). Launched in 2023 by co-CEO’s Judith Ann Bodley and Sharon Burke, together with Chairman Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, the convention has shortly established itself as a premier hub for networking, music discovery, and demanding discussions round the way forward for reggae and dancehall.
This yr’s occasion, held primarily at Courtleigh Auditorium in downtown Kingston, introduced collectively trade professionals for an array of panels, workshops and performances, providing each new and seasoned artists an opportunity to achieve invaluable insights into the evolving music panorama.
The convention kicked off with a cocktail occasion Wednesday night, adopted by all-white dinner hosted by Shaggy. The “Boombastic” singer, who has lengthy been a champion of dancehall reggae’s worldwide growth, sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to debate his position within the convention and why he felt compelled to be a part of it.
“When Sharon [Burke] inform me to do one thing, I can’t say no,” Shaggy shared. “She got here to me with an concept, however she additionally is aware of my spirit and is aware of my factor is to actually give again. We’ve achieved so many issues collectively for the tradition.”
Burke, the co-founder and president of Strong Company, has performed a pivotal position in shaping reggae and dancehall’s international presence, having been concerned in Reggae Solar Splash, Totally Loaded and Buju Banton’s Lengthy Stroll to Freedom tour. In response to Shaggy, her deep-rooted expertise within the enterprise, mixed together with his trade information and Judith Bodley’s media connections, made IMC a pure extension of their shared mission.
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“Lots of people perceive that all the things that has moved the needle within the tradition, Sharon Burke has been concerned in,” he defined. “We’re pals and we now have the identical spirit, the identical vibe, the identical intention and identical love for the tradition, so to come back with one thing like this, the place she is aware of my information of the enterprise of music and that us bringing individuals in right here to show lots of people would work. To this point it’s been an important reception.”
IMC’s complete providing of panel discussions featured a who’s who of insiders together with Max Glazer, BBC Radio1 Additional’s Seani B, Ray Daniels, Kardinal Offishall, DJ Enuff, Stacy Barthe and Jerry Wonda.
Notable periods included:
“How Streaming Platforms, Synthetic Intelligence, and Digital Actuality Are Shaping The Music Trade”: This panel explored the mixing of know-how in music manufacturing and distribution, emphasizing the necessity for artists to adapt in a quickly altering panorama.
“Is Sampling Killing Creativity?”: A spirited debate on the ethics and artistry of sampling, analyzing its affect on originality in music.
“Spinning Unfavourable Publicity & Staying On Model”: Trade consultants shared methods on managing public notion and sustaining model integrity amidst controversies.
“Report Deal vs. Publishing Deal vs. Distribution Deal”: This session demystified the complexities of varied music trade contracts, providing steering to artists navigating their careers.
“What Makes a Hit Track?”: Songwriters Stacy Barthe, Ashante “Taranchyla” Reid and Nigerian expertise supervisor Bizzle Osikoya mentioned components that contribute to chart-topping tracks, offering attendees with private insights about a few of their favourite songs.
“Is Music Success a Numbers Sport?”: This evaluation of metrics and their affect on an artist’s trajectory within the digital age was particularly energetic because of Audiomack’s Tanya Lawson and RCA’s Shani Fuller Tillman.
“Get Performed Globally! The Radio, Sound & Membership DJ Dialog”: DJs and radio personalities Bambino, DJ Delano, DJ Dr. Doom and DJ Enuff mentioned avenues for reaching worldwide airplay and recognition.
“How Type Evolves Your Model”: A glance into the symbiotic relationship between style and music, highlighting how private fashion can amplify an artist’s model.
“Can Reggae & Dancehall Reclaim Europe?”: Panelists deliberated on methods to rejuvenate the genres’ presence within the European market.
“When Movie & Music Meet: Prospects, Sync & Display”: Insights into the alternatives on the intersection of cinema and music, specializing in synchronization offers and scoring.
“The Grammy Dialog”: One of many week’s hottest panels featured a candid dialogue with Len Brown, Ashley Thomas and Brittany Presley on the importance of the Grammy Awards for reggae and dancehall artists, and the pathways to recognition.
With a heavy emphasis on the enterprise aspect of music, Shaggy stated he hopes the convention will go a great distance in arming upcoming artists with info they’ll have to efficiently navigate the altering panorama of the music trade.
“I would like for the artists to come back in and make connections and perceive the sport and never get fucked just like the previous ones did,” Shaggy advised THR. “On this new age you could have your cellphone, you bought Google and loads of issues, individuals can’t pull the wool over your eyes like they used to.“
Along with panel discussions, Courtleigh Auditorium welcomed in native distributors providing, meals, tea, books and extra. Different particular highlights included Songwriters Workshops with Stacy Barthe, showcases that includes performances from native expertise and an out of doors social gathering at Jangas.
Some of the thrilling points of the convention is its real-world affect. Shaggy identified that careers have been launched at IMC — together with Teejay’s latest rise to success.
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“One of many greatest issues to come back out of IMC was Teejay was right here one of many years,” he shared. “He got here in, did his efficiency, joined a panel, met an A&R from Warner, and acquired signed. The subsequent yr, he had ‘Drift,’ which was one of many greatest hits of the yr.”
Because the Island Music Convention continues to develop, its dedication to fostering a vibrant and knowledgeable music group stays steadfast. The 2025 version not solely celebrated the wealthy heritage of reggae and dancehall but additionally addressed up to date challenges and alternatives, making certain that Jamaican music continues to resonate globally. Attendees left with renewed inspiration, armed with information and connections to propel their careers ahead.
For extra info on the Island Music Convention and future occasions, go to their official web site.
