Lila Iké ADD

Jamaica Music Conference in Kingston - November 2018

11/02/2018 by Press Release

The 6th Annual Staging to Convene Hundreds of Creatives, Influencers and Music Industry Professionals November 15-18, 2018

Entertainers and music industry professionals are set to descend upon Kingston, Jamaica November 15-18, 2018 for the Jamaica Music Conference (JMC). The revered conference, now in its 6th annual staging, will offer a series of enlightening and resourceful panels aimed to ensure that music creatives and industry professionals have the tools, education, networking opportunities and resources to maximize financial opportunities, benefit from the digitalization of music and solidify a position/stake in the prosperous, global market of music and culture. Participants will also be given a platform to discuss current industry challenges with peers and music industry influencers and identify solutions through tangible action items. Entities interested or involved in any aspect of music and culture are invited to attend.

More than 15 critical panels, workshops, independent music artist showcases and a community service day are slated to be held in various venues across the Kingston area, including Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, University of the West Indies (Mona), House of Dancehall, Jamnesia, Kingston Dub Club and Boardwalk Beach. Set against the backdrop of the conference’s theme, “Constructive Conversations: Dialogue, Discussion and Development,” adding to the JMC's appeal in this 6th installment are the high-profile keynote music industry panelists and artists scheduled to participate in the conference. The Jamaica Music Conference continues to shine a positive light on the country’s largest export, Reggae and Dancehall music, and its influence in the global music industry.

A landmark addition to the JMC speaker lineup, “The Queen of Reggae” will participate in the popular “Artist in Focus” one-on-one interview on the final day of the ultra-comprehensive, 4-day program. Her insights on her compelling journey to greatness as well as her career longevity, among other critical topics are eagerly anticipated.

The renowned singer boasts the highest-selling single of all time by a female Reggae artiste for her 1980s crossover hit the Electric Boogie remix (a Bunny Wailer cover). In 2014, Griffiths received Jamaica’s fifth highest National honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class).

 “The JMC team is humbled and honored by the participation of one of Jamaica’s most iconic stars. Marcia Griffiths’ story is so valuable to the millions of young women and men pursuing the profession of music, across all genres. Her confirmation has ensured that JMC 2018 will be historic,” commented Kwasi Bonsu, Founder of JMC.

Hundreds of participants are anticipated from Jamaica, other Caribbean countries, the United States, Canada, Europe and beyond, along with a tentative conference schedule of hot topics geared toward independent, rising and established entertainers and music industry professionals. In 2017, JMC and its related events like the “JMC Jamnesia Showcase,” “Clean Clash,” “Sound System Summit,” and more spawned a wealth of media attention and attendance, setting high anticipation for 2018. This year, the very first “JMC Youth Summit” will add an admirable touch to the program of events, as through partnerships with Jamaican high schools, the next generation of young creatives will experience immersion in a collegiate environment and hands on opportunities to learn about the music industry.

Open to all creatives and professionals across music genres, JMC is setting the landscape for building and sustaining a healthy Jamaican music industry. Past performers and panelists like Tony Rebel, Ronnie Burke, Robert Livingston, Nikki Z, Michie Mee, Winford Williams, Michael Skolnik, Bob Andy, Junior Reid, Nadine Sutherland, Protoje, Copeland Forbes, Kelissa, King Addies, Kilamanjaro, Ricky Trooper, Hon. Olivia Grange, Rory “Stone Love”, Tessanne Chin, Agent Sasco, Mutabaruka, Christopher Martin, Duane Stephenson, Damon Vanzant, Irie Jam Radio, Irish and Chin and Ibo Cooper of JaRIA have helped shape the JMC as the leading annual conference of its kind, providing music industry education, networking and collaboration in Jamaica. In addition to the annual conference, the “JMC Strategic Planning and Sponsor Outreach Meeting Series” has sparked a huge buzz for the upcoming JMC amongst Jamaican music and culture stakeholders in locations across North America.

The JMC was founded by Kwasi Osei Bonsu, Esq., Julian Haffner, Esq. and entertainment executive Kairee “S.I.G.H.” Griffin. Bonsu and Haffner met at Howard University Law School and bonded over their common interest in intellectual property. Bonsu, who was born in Jamaica and now resides in the U.S., is the CEO of JMC, and doubles as conscious artist Dejazmatch Kwasi. Other managing members who serve/support JMC include Wolde Philpotts and Karen Marie Mason. Notably, Jamaican residents Kareece Lawrence who coordinates production, and Joan Webley who manages operations in Jamaica, joined the JMC management team in 2016. A growing brand and team, in 2017, Christine M. Coley of Impulse Nation joined the team to manage marketing and sponsorship development. Lloyd A.W. Stanbury, OD serves as a JMC advisor.

Log on to JAMAICAMUSICCONFERENCE.com for more details!