Masicka Appointed Cultural Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially approved the appointment of Jamaican dancehall star Masicka as a cultural ambassador, in a move aimed at strengthening youth development and expanding the country’s creative industries.

The announcement was made by Director of Communications Maurice Merchant during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, following a proposal brought forward by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene.

Delivering the Cabinet’s position, Merchant said:

“The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda approved a proposal presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable E.P. Chet Greene, for the appointment of internationally recognized Jamaican recording artist Masicka, formerly known as Javaun Nicholas Fearon, as cultural ambassador for youth talent development and creative industries collaboration.

The initiative forms part of the government’s national strategy to expand the creative industries sector, strengthen youth development programmes, and enhance cultural diplomacy across Antigua and Barbuda.

Under this programme, three young Antiguan and Barbudan artists will be selected to participate in a Jamaica-based artist development exchange programme. “The programme will include professional studio training, songwriting development, vocal coaching, performance preparation, exposure to music producers and record labels, touring observation opportunities, and entrepreneurial development training.” Merchant said.

Masicka will also participate in national youth music intervention and mentorship programme where he will host a national youth creative empowerment forum series featuring interactive youth dialogue.

According to officials, the initiative is designed to boost youth engagement, support artistic growth, and create new opportunities within the cultural and creative sectors.

As part of the exchange programme, selected participants will travel to Jamaica for hands-on industry exposure, gaining insight into both the creative and business sides of music, including recording, branding, and entrepreneurship.

The programme will also roll out a national mentorship and intervention initiative aimed at nurturing young talent, alongside a series of empowerment forums led by Masicka to encourage dialogue and inspire the next generation of creatives.

Masicka, born Javaun Nicholas Fearon in Portmore, Jamaica, is signed to Def Jam and has the two most streamed albums in Jamaica on Apple Music “438” and “Generation of Kings”, which both charted at No. 2 the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.