3 months ago
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The annual Island Music Conference (IMC) returned from February 19 to 23, bringing together prominent figures in the music industry at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. The event has become a key gathering for Caribbean music professionals seeking to broaden their audience, hone their craft, and connect with influential figures both locally and internationally.
Chaired by multi-Grammy-winning international recording artiste Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell, the conference wrapped on Sunday, bringing together musicians, managers, producers, record labels, publishers, booking agencies, among others, to a platform of networking, experience sharing, and opportunity exploration.
The goal of the conference is to assist attendees in navigating the rapidly changing music industry, staying up to date with new developments in technology, policies, and trends while creating a supportive atmosphere for career advancement.
The usage of live bands in contemporary music was one of the conference’s most contentious topics. The debate, based on the theme ‘Live or Dead Performances? Bands in 2025’, addressed the increasing use of digital tools and AI-generated music, raising the question of whether modern musicians are forgoing the emotion and authenticity that live instrumentation adds to performances.
Recording artiste Kemar Highcon expressed his concerns, highlighting how Jamaican music is not regaining its international prominence because of a lack of passion.
“We need to be more passionate about the music, about the art, about performing, about putting on live shows,” Highcon urged. He also encouraged young and upcoming artistes to invest in their craft.
“Make a band or join a band. You also don’t need to have a show lined up to rehearse. Book some rehearsal time and work on your vocals and your musical craft regardless of immediate performance opportunities,” he added.
This idea was mirrored by composer and musician Etienne Charles, who promoted early music instruction.
“Ways should be provided for the youngsters to learn an instrument from a tender age as it starts from that stage. This helps in creating the passion for music,” Charles stated.
Following this, another panel also tackled the question: Can reggae and dancehall reclaim Europe?
Drawing from personal experience, reggae veteran Gramps Morgan shared insights into the sacrifices required to succeed in international markets and the value of mentoring and sound business management in the Jamaican music industry.
“More tour managers and business managers are needed to manage artistes in Jamaica.” Morgan said. He went on, “It is not a family affair, networking is important and qualified persons are needed to properly manage artistes in order to take them to the next level.”
Morgan went further to highlight the importance of sacrifice, especially as an upcoming artiste.
“You have to learn to make sacrifices. Whether it be doubling up on rooms during tours or travel because you want all of your crew with you, or saving your ‘per diem’ as an upcoming artiste and just making the sacrifice to get to the next level. This passion is missing and the level of investment that is needed in the craft– whether dub plates or otherwise,” he said.
The entire panel concurred that more Jamaican artistes working together might greatly raise their awareness abroad. Artistes can reach a larger audience and break into new markets by collaborating more with other international figures to create crossover successes.
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