Island Music Conference: Shaping the Future of Reggae and Dancehall in Jamaica!

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From February 19th to 23rd, 2025, various artists, trendsetters, and industry leaders gathered in Kingston, Jamaica for the third yearly Island Music Conference (IMC). Initiated in 2023 by co-CEOs Judith Ann Bodley and Sharon Burke, together with Chairman Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, this conference has swiftly become a vital platform for networking, music exploration, and insightful debates about the future of reggae and dancehall.

2021 saw the gathering of music industry experts at Courtleigh Auditorium in the heart of Kingston, where they participated in various discussions, workshops, and concerts. This event provided both novice and experienced artists with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest trends shaping the music industry.

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2021’s event held at Courtleigh Auditorium downtown Kingston, attracted industry professionals for a mix of discussions, workshops, and concerts, allowing both newcomers and veterans in the art scene a chance to absorb significant knowledge about the changing dynamics of the music business.

The conference began on Wednesday evening with a cocktail party, which was then followed by a dinner where everyone wore white, organized by Shaggy. Known for his significant contributions to dancehall reggae’s global growth, “Boombastic” singer Shaggy held an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about his involvement in the conference and what inspired him to participate.

As a fervent admirer, I find myself unable to refuse when Sharon [Burke] proposes something. She approached me with a thought-provoking idea, yet she’s well aware of my heart and my passion lies in giving back. Together, we’ve accomplished numerous endeavors that have significantly impacted the culture.

Burke, who serves as co-founder and president of Solid Agency, has significantly impacted the worldwide influence of reggae and dancehall music. This is evident through her contributions to events like Reggae Sun Splash, Fully Loaded, and Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom tour. As Shaggy puts it, Burke’s extensive background in the industry, along with her professional connections made by Judith Bodley in media, seamlessly transformed IMC into an extension of their joint vision.

He mentioned that Sharon Burke has played a significant role in many cultural shifts that matter. Being friends with similar passions, spirits, and intentions for the culture, this collaboration seemed natural. Given her understanding of my music industry expertise and our shared goal to educate many, it was logical to anticipate success. So far, the response has been fantastic.

IMC’s wide range of panel discussions showcased industry heavyweights such as Max Glazer, Seani B from BBC Radio1 Extra, Ray Daniels, Kardinal Offishall, DJ Enuff, Stacy Barthe, and Jerry Wonda.

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IMC’s extensive lineup for panel discussions included well-known insiders like Max Glazer, Seani B of BBC Radio1 Extra, Ray Daniels, Kardinal Offishall, DJ Enuff, Stacy Barthe, and Jerry Wonda.

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The panel discussions presented by IMC boasted a star-studded lineup of insiders that included Max Glazer, Seani B from BBC Radio1 Extra, Ray Daniels, Kardinal Offishall, DJ Enuff, Stacy Barthe, and Jerry Wonda.

Notable sessions included:

Discussed on this panel was the impact of streaming services, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality on the music industry, highlighting the importance of musicians adjusting to a fast-evolving environment.

“Am I Witnessing the Tension Between Ethics and Inspiration in Music Production through Sampling?”: I’ve been delving into a fascinating discussion about the moral and artistic aspects of using samples in music creation, exploring how it influences the essence of originality.

“Strategies for Handling Criticism Gracefully & Keeping True to Your Brand Identity”: Experts in the field discussed tactics for preserving a positive image and upholding brand values during challenging situations.

In this session, we unraveled the intricacies of different types of music business agreements, providing musicians with valuable advice on managing their professional paths. Here, we discuss Record Deals, Publishing Deals, and Distribution Deals.

“Discussing the Ingredients of a Popular Song: Insights from Stacy Barthe, Ashante ‘Taranchyla’ Reid, and Bizzle Osikoya”

This title suggests that the speakers shared their thoughts on what makes a song successful in music charts, using examples from their favorite songs to illustrate their points. It maintains the original meaning while sounding more conversational and less formal.

The discussion about whether success in music is dependent on numbers, as influenced by statistics in the digital era, was exceptionally engaging due to the participation of Tanya Lawson from Audiomack and Shani Fuller Tillman from RCA.

Expand My Reach Worldwide: A Chat with DJs Bambino, DJ Delano, DJ Dr. Doom, and DJ Enuff on Gaining Global Exposure in the Airwaves and Club Scene” (as a fan)

“Exploring the Mutual Influence of Fashion and Music on Artists’ Brands” or

“Unraveling the Interplay Between Personal Style and Artist Branding in Fashion and Music”

Both phrases convey the idea that we will be discussing the relationship between fashion and music, focusing on how an artist’s personal style can impact their brand.

Discussing Strategies for a Resurgence of Reggae and Dancehall in the European Music Scene: This conversation focused on potential methods to revitalize these music genres’ popularity within Europe.

“Exploring the Intersection of Movies and Music: Opportunities, Synchronization, and Composition”: Discussing the chances where film and music intersect, with a focus on licensing agreements for synchronization and the art of composition.

“Discussion at ‘The Grammy Talk’:” This week’s highly attended talk saw a lively conversation between Len Brown, Ashley Thomas, and Brittany Presley, focusing on the importance of the Grammy Awards for reggae and dancehall musicians, as well as the routes to being recognized within the industry.

Emphasizing the commercial aspects of music, Shaggy expressed his hope that the conference will provide essential knowledge to emerging artists, enabling them to effectively traverse the evolving terrain of the music business.

Shaggy expressed to THR that he hopes the artists will enter with an understanding of the game and forge connections, avoiding the missteps of the past. He explained that in today’s digital age, information is readily available, making it difficult for anyone to deceive people as easily as they once could.

Beyond just panel talks, Courtleigh Auditorium also invited local merchants to sell various items such as food, tea, books, and more. Some unique features included Songwriters Workshops with Stacy Barthe, displays of performances from local artists, and an outdoor celebration at Jangas.

One captivating feature of this conference lies in its tangible influence on the real world, as demonstrated by the fact that it has served as a platform for launching careers, such as Teejay’s recent surge to success, as highlighted by Shaggy.

During IMC, Teejay made an appearance one of the years, as he shared. This is where he performed, participated in a panel discussion, interacted with an A&R from Warner, and eventually got signed. The following year, he released ‘Drift,’ which turned out to be one of the most successful songs of that year.

The Island Music Conference, as it expands, stays dedicated to nurturing a lively and educated music community. At its 2025 event, not only did it honor the deep roots of reggae and dancehall, but it also tackled modern issues and prospects, guaranteeing that Jamaican music remains influential worldwide. Participants departed feeling reinvigorated, equipped with knowledge and networking opportunities to advance their careers.

To find out more about the Island Music Conference and upcoming events, please check their official site.

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2025-03-06 22:55