Resilient & Proud: The Island Music Conference Grows From Strength to Strength

March 8, 2025

The Island Music Conference (IMC) 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica, was as much a vibe as it was an eye-opener. The annual gathering has been organized by Shaggy and Sharon Burke’s Solid Agency for the past 3 years. With the most recent event held last month, it finally felt like the Caribbean music scene was truly coming together and figuring out how to level up in a major way.

Seeing artists, execs, DJs, & media folk, all in one place, tackling everything from record deals to the digital grind, was inspiring and motivating. As a media professional of Caribbean descent, I left feeling immense pride after witnessing the diaspora unite to strengthen its infrastructure and amplify its voice on the global stage. The panel discussions highlighted the complexities of navigating the modern music landscape, particularly for artists living in places with limited resources.

Photo Credit: Ismail “Calligrafist” Sayeed

Observing the non-stop hustle and dogged determination of talented Caribbean artists at this conference reminded me of the experience of young rappers in America. Young rap pioneers stateside have always had to build their own movements from scratch, fighting tooth and claw for respect and recognition every step of the way. For decades, Caribbean artists have been battling to establish a sustainable industry in the face of limited infrastructure and scant resources. The IMC provided a safe space and a supportive environment, championing Caribbean music’s contributions and honoring the often underappreciated leaders of the genre.

Looking at popular music as a whole, Caribbean music has consistently exerted a profound and noticeable influence, from the rhythmic foundations of calypso and reggae to the melodic, syncopated percussions of kompa. All of these sub-genres have shaped the beats and melodies that are heard in R&B, hip-hop and popular music worldwide.

DJ Kool Herc, a key figure in hip-hop’s origins, has Jamaican roots, and chart-topping superstars like Rihanna and Drake have major hits built on Caribbean music. And it’s not just the big names; there are countless promoters, marketing professionals, producers, dancers, engineers and songwriters of Caribbean heritage who have shaped popular music as we know it today. The IMC was about celebrating and demanding more visibility and support for these talented and resilient individuals.

The panel conversations at IMC featured several highlights. One of the most insightful discussions centered around the perception of music success being solely a “numbers game.” This topic resonated deeply and emphasized the shared struggles of artists striving for visibility in an oversaturated market. It also touched on the competing realities between going viral online versus having real impact on the ground — and what actually generates income and entices labels or concert promoters.

In essence, the IMC was a call to action, urging everyone in attendance to recognize and celebrate the Caribbean’s enduring influence on global music. It delivered a renewed inspiration for delving deeper into the region’s diverse musical landscape, supporting the artists, and advocating for greater recognition and equitable compensation. It served as a powerful reminder that the Caribbean’s contribution to music is not just a footnote, but a fundamental element of the global soundscape.

Big ups to the whole IMC crew, especially Shaggy, Sharon Burke, Francoise Blanchette, Judith Hill, and Judith Bodley for bringing us together and igniting this fire! On a personal level, this experience underlined the power of our culture and the enduring strength of our community. I’m energized to fight for our recognition, to push our sound, and to make sure the world respecs and acknowledges all the Caribbean vibes.

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