Former Rapper Shyne to Keynote Island Music Conference 2026!

The Island Music Conference announces Shyne as keynote speaker for

IMC 2026. The Grammy Award-winning artist turned politician addresses IMC participants on February 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New

Kingston.

Shyne (born Jamal Michael Barrow) rose from a Brooklyn barbershop discovery to

Bad Boy Records stardom. His 2000 debut album went platinum. Singles "Bad

Boyz" and "Bonnie & Shyne" featuring Barrington Levy became commercial hits.

He contributed to albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Puff Daddy, Usher, and Lil

Wayne.

A 1999 nightclub shooting changed his trajectory. Shyne was convicted of assault

and unlawful weapon possession in 2001. He served 10 years. During

incarceration, he released his sophomore album "Godfather Buried Alive" through

Def Jam in 2004.

After prison, Shyne entered politics in Belize. He served as Member of Parliament

from November 2020 to March 2025. On September 26, 2025, he marked the 25th

anniversary of his platinum debut album.

His keynote "From Stage to State" explores his journey from music to politics and

back again.

IMC 2026 runs February 25 thru 28. Year four brings 30 international DJs from the

UK, US, Canada, and Caribbean to meet artists and acquire new music. Previous

conferences created real opportunities:

▪ Hot 97's DJ Enuff playlisted Yaksta after meeting at IMC

▪ Sean Paul and J'Calm connected for studio sessions

▪ Warner Records signed Teejay following his IMC appearance

The conference connects global music industry leaders with Caribbean talent.

Panels cover practical strategies for navigating the music ecosystem. Founders

Orville "Shaggy" Burrell, Judith Bodley, and Sharon Burke designed the event for

transparency and access.

"The intimate panel discussions foster an environment where established and

undiscovered talent engage in meaningful conversations," say the founders. "This

results in critical career evolution."