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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 organisers 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 – Courtleigh Auditorium

Mastering the Art of Influencer Entrepreneurship (10:00 AM)

Opening the conference is a timely and powerful discussion on influence, branding, and monetisation in the digital age. Panellists 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. Panellists 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.