The Island Music Conference has announced Shyne as the keynote speaker for IMC 2026.
The Grammy Award-winning artiste turned politician will address IMC participants on February 26, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.
Shyne (born Jamal Michael Barrow) rose from a Brooklyn barbershop discovery to Bad Boy Records stardom. His 2000 debut album went platinum. Singles Bad Boyz and Bonnie & Shyne featuring Barrington Levy became commercial hits.
He contributed to albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Puff Daddy, Usher, and Lil Wayne.
A 1999 nightclub shooting changed his trajectory. Shyne was convicted of assault and unlawful weapon possession in 2001. He served 10 years. During incarceration, he released his sophomore album Godfather Buried Alive through Def Jam in 2004.
After prison, Shyne entered politics in Belize. He served as a Member of Parliament from November 2020 to March 2025. On September 26, 2025, he marked the 25th anniversary of his platinum debut album.
His keynote “From Stage to State” explores his journey from music to politics and back again.
IMC 2026 runs from February 25 through 28. Year four brings 30 international DJs from the UK, US, Canada, and Caribbean to meet artistes and acquire new music.
Previous conferences created real opportunities:
- Hot 97’s DJ Enuff playlisted Yaksta after meeting at IMC
- Sean Paul and J’Calm connected for studio sessions
- Warner Records signed Teejay following his IMC appearance
The conference connects global music industry leaders with Caribbean talent. Panels cover practical strategies for navigating the music ecosystem. Founders Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell, Judith Bodley, and Sharon Burke designed the event for transparency and access.
“The intimate panel discussions foster an environment where established and undiscovered talent engage in meaningful conversations,” say the founders. “This results in critical career evolution.”
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