Renowned reggae icon Orville “Shaggy” Burrell co-founded the Island Music Conference (IMC) in 2023, which recently took place from February 19-23 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica. The event served as a platform for music professionals to connect, share experiences, and explore the future of the music industry through technology, collaboration, and diversity. With over 1,000 attendees from 14 countries, IMC featured panels on topics such as streaming platforms, AI, and virtual reality shaping the industry.
Global music revenue grew by 18% in 2021, with streaming accounting for a significant portion of the total revenue. Independent artists are leveraging self-distribution platforms like DistroKid and TuneCore to maintain creative control and a larger share of their revenue. IMC provided insights on how new artists can navigate record deals, publishing deals, and distribution deals to effectively market their work.
Networking opportunities abounded at IMC, sparking collaborations and lifelong relationships among industry professionals. The conference also showcased the vibrant and diverse landscape of Caribbean music through lively concerts featuring classic reggae, dancehall, and Afro-Caribbean fusions. Kingston’s rich cultural heritage in music, art, and cuisine provided the perfect backdrop for the conference, emphasizing Jamaica’s role as a driver of industry innovation in the global music scene.
IMC 2025 highlighted the globalization and recognition of Jamaican music and heritage, with a focus on tech and diversity shaping the industry. The partnerships and insights formed at the conference are expected to have a lasting impact on the music industry, positioning the Caribbean as a key player in industry innovation and growth.
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