IMC Songwriter Workshop 2025: Empowering Aspiring Artists

Kingston, Jamaica, January 14, 2025– Another cohort of aspiring songwriters will receive expert mentorship at the immersive Island Music Conference (IMC) songwriter’s workshop slated to run from February 20-22 this Reggae Month.

A greatly anticipated event of the annual conference, last year’s Caribbean Development Bank sponsored workshop saw the likes of the Chairman “Shaggy” himself along with Grammy nominated and Billboard songwriter /producer Constantin “Costi” Ioniță passing through and dropping gems. Grammy award winning singer/producer/songwriter Shane Hoosong also stopped by the camp for a chat with the songwriters. Jamaica’s own Renowned composer, producer and songwriter Michael “Mikie” Bennet facilitated the inaugural ‘Punch Lines & Rhymes IMC songwriter’s event and is excited that the founders have added an extra day for execution. Bennett was pleased with the development of the songwriters in 2024 and has kept in touch with their progress. He expects the 2025 staging to be an even greater experience. “We’ve noted the successes from last year and have tightened the curriculum as such”.

What was the experience like for IMC Songwriter participants last year? We chatted with music teacher Audale Martin who also helped with the musical equipment, and will be making his second appearance come February. 

“I learnt a couple stuff last year, the biggest being Mikie’s four-line songwriting method— that was life changing for me. This year, I will be providing accompaniment via the music. I will create what we call harmonic progression which is familiar sounding music arrangements that will help people to get moving with whichever genre style. I just create the music, and then everybody will be able to create their song on the music,” Martin shared.

Pianist, composer, and academic Dr. Stefan Walcott who was a 2024 IMC panelist found his way to the workshop and stayed there. For his part, Walcott hailed the IMC’s and Bennett’s impressive work, touting promising songwriters from across the region for a memorable experience.

“Participating in the IMC songwriting workshop was a remarkable learning experience. MikieBennett’s guidance on structuring lyrical narratives—taking the listener on a journey from one stage to the next—shed new light on the art of storytelling. He also highlighted the undeniable power of a strong hook to engage and hold an audience. Beyond the lessons, having creatives from across the region in one space created an unparalleled opportunity to exchange ideas and foster meaningful connections. It was an inspiring and invaluable session with one of Jamaica’s most respected producers.” Kudos to the IMC team,” Dr. Walcott said.

Grenadian singer, songwriter and performer Valene Nedd who was among the chosen 25 last year expressed that her career has received a boost because of the experience. She is encouraging all songwriters from around the world to submit their entries for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“If you are looking to improve on your writing skills, build your career as a creative I will encourage any one to participate. The IMC songwriter’s workshop was very informative and very inclusive. I certainly felt at home. I even cried as we were giving our final speeches. To be a part of a group of people from different countries none of us knew each other but to learn so much and pool our creative ideas, I can say we are in the right direction,” Nedd added.

Nedd’s comment was corroborated by Guadeloupean creative Smiley Gwada who visited Jamaica for the first-time last year for the IMC songwriter’s workshop.

“It was a wonderful experience because of the opportunity to meet other artistes from the Caribbean, especially coming from a French island. We created a group called the ‘Caribbean Creatives’ where we have been sharing ideas with each other.”

The immersive experience continues this year at the 2025 songwriter’s workshop forming part of the Island Music Conference scheduled for February 19th thru 23rd in the creative capitol of Kingston, Jamaica.  And my scoop is that Stacy Barthe who has written for Beyonce’, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Nipsey Hussle and Rihanna to name a few may just be dropping by this year.

So, how does a songwriter access the IMC Songwriter’s Workshop? 

1. Submit the lyrics of your latest song to islandmusicconference@gmail.com with ‘Songwriting Camp’ in the subject. 

2. This must be accompanied with your name, contact #, social media handles, as well as a brief bio.

3. The IMC Workshop team will select the top 15 and you’ll receive your invitation letter to attend. 

ISLAND MUSIC CONFERENCE 2025, the third edition, promises a networking week of Global music industry leaders converging to drive Jamaican, Caribbean and world music forward as we build bridges of understanding, strategy and success. The conference offers insight into practical strategies and tools for music industry professionals to successfully navigate the ecosystem. 

Conference founders Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, Judith Bodley and Sharon Burke say once again the intimate nature of the panel discussions will bring about a transparency historically unseen in the industry, and foster an environment where established and undiscovered talent can engage in meaningful and demystifying conversations, resulting in critical career evolution. 

Register Now! www.islandmusicconference.com

T. 876.367.2588 or 876.469.4005 for more information on IMC 2025

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