SHAGGY SAYS BRING YOUR A-GAME TO IMC 2026
- dancehallleaguejm
- 10h
- 4 min read
Why is IMC especially important for Caribbean creatives right now?
The landscape of the music / entertainment industry is forever changing and it’s changing even more rapidly these days. ‘Caribbean music’ though, it’s been in most cases the main ingredient for other successful genres. We ourselves still haven’t had a real constancy in reaching the global market and creating a force to be reckoned with.
What advice would you give artists before they even step into the conference this year? (For
example, three things attendees need to do before attending IMC)
“1st thing, look like an artist, bring your A game you don’t know who You might meet and 1st impressions last.
2nd, Attend every panel discussion and get involved, speak up and ask questions .
3rd, Work the room, the relationships are the most valuable thing in the entertainment business.”
February 25–28 | Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica — The countdown is officially on. Island Music Conference (IMC) 2026, the Caribbean’s premier music industry gathering, returns February 25–28 at the Courtleigh
Auditorium in New Kingston, Jamaica, and organizers urge music professionals, creatives, and industry stakeholders to register now at www.islandmusicconference.com.
IMC 2026 kicks off Wednesday, February 25, with a full day of high-impact panels, workshops, and exclusive networking events designed to empower today’s music ecosystem—from artistes and producers to executives, marketers, and media professionals.
DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS — WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Mastering the Art of Influencer Entrepreneurship (10:00 AM) Opening the conference is a timely and powerful discussion on influence, branding, and monetization in the digital age. Panelists include:
• Grace “Spice” Hamilton, DH artiste & Global
Influencer
• Jaii Frais, YouTube podcaster
• Noah Powa, international DJ and artiste
• Blaise French, entrepreneur and influencer
The session is hosted by Wayne Marshall, dancehall
artiste, media personality & Influencer.
New Rules for Marketing (11:30 AM)
As music marketing continues to evolve, this must-attend panel explores how creatives and executives are successfully positioning music and artistry in today’s competitive landscape. Panelists include:
• David Miller, Seven Grand Entertainment
• Portia Clarke, BET UK
• Shauna James, Atlantic Records
• Terrence “Hustle” Simmons Randolph, Agency 3-2
• Dee Sonoram, Brooklyn Knights Entertainment
This power panel is Hosted by Tina Matalon, Restaurants of Jamaica.
Breaking Into Publishing (1:00PM)
This essential conversation focuses on songwriting, rights management, and publishing pathways. Panelists include:
• Martin Kierszenbaum, Cherrytree Music Company
• Ethan Bear, Warner Chappell Music
• John Baker, G Street Records / G Jam Studios
Hosted by Trinidadian journalist, Nigel Telesford.
Up Next: The Power of Global Radio Play (2:30 PM)
Examining the influence of international radio in breaking records worldwide, this panel features:
• Paul “Mastermind” Pahor, Vibe 105
• Steve Billings, Sun City FM
• DJ Nori, Power 105
• HB Monty Celebrity DJ
• Katrina “DJ Sunshine” Irons, IRIE FM
Hosted by media maven Judith Bodley.
The Power of the Producer (4:00 PM)
Closing out the day’s panels is a deep dive into production, creativity, and influence, featuring:
• Stephen “The Genius” McGregor, Genius Records
• Silent Addy, DJ, producer, and event promoter
• David “Yeti Beats” Sprecher, record producer and songwriter
• CJ the Chemist, producer and songwriter
Hosted by Max Glazer, DJ, host, and founder of Federation Sound.
Also kicking of Day one of the IMC is the IMC Songwriters Workshop 2026 Edition
Running concurrently during the day is the IMC Songwriters Workshop, aimed at providing
hands-on instruction and guidance for emerging and established songwriters. The workshop is directed by Brandon Bakshi, a seasoned music executive with extensive experience managing relationships with international songwriters, composers, and publishers. His credits include overseeing major programs such as the BMI London Awards and BMI at Abbey Road Songwriter Sessions.
He is assisted by Tasha Thorbourne, acclaimed songwriter, singer, and former member of the female group Brick & Lace. Then it’s the premiere event of the Conference: The Exclusive Chairman’s Dinner Day one of the fourth Island Music Conference, culminates with the exclusive Chairman’s Dinner,
hosted by Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, Chairman of the Island Music Conference. The invite-
prestigious event runs from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM, with a cocktail hour beginning at 7:00 PM, bringing together industry leaders for an evening of networking and celebration.
Check the schedule to see what happens every day:
Island Music Conference 2026, taking place February 25–28 at the Courtleigh Auditorium, is
where the global music industry converges. From artists and producers to executives, media, and marketers—every person involved in music needs to be there.
Registration is now open at www.islandmusicconference.com
The theme for IMC 2026: 'Music Is the Unifying Force', is a declaration of the enduring power of sound to bring people together across parishes, borders, cultures, and generations. In an era marked by challenges, rapid technological change and growing global division, music remains our most universal language — bridging tradition and innovation, creativity and commerce, local voices and global audiences
Registration is now open at www.islandmusicconference.com See the website for Panelists et al. Follow @IslandMusicConference on Instagram for updates, speaker announcements, and exclusive content.
