With the music industry undergoing constant transformation, driven by digital innovation, intellectual property shifts, and borderless collaboration, Caribbean creatives are being invited to elevate their craft and business acumen at the inaugural Music Mastery: Empowering the Sound Industry workshop, scheduled for August 13.

Backed by the Creative Caribbean Project and strategically supported by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports and Change Makers Development Limited, the workshop is designed to equip regional music professionals with the competitive edge needed to survive in the global market. The initiative merges industry-leading expertise with practical, on-the-ground insights, offering participants the kind of mentorship and knowledge typically reserved for closed-door industry sessions and international summits.

“We are deeply committed to building platforms that amplify the creative economy and empower cultural professionals across the region,” said Samantha Chantrelle, Managing Director at Change Makers.

She continued, “The Music Mastery Workshop aligns perfectly with our mission to support initiatives that create real social and economic value through the arts. Jamaica’s music industry is globally influential, yet many of our creatives still lack access to the structured training and support systems that help turn talent into viable, sustainable careers. We saw this project as an opportunity to invest in that transformation—one that is led by local practitioners, informed by real-world needs, and designed to have long-term impact.”

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) echoed this commitment, recognising the strategic role that capacity-building plays in national development. 

“Jamaica’s music is a critical pillar of national identity, economic development, and cultural diplomacy,” a MCGES representative said. “Supporting initiatives such as the Music Mastery workshop reflects our commitment to strengthening the infrastructure of the entertainment industry through strategic capacity building. By equipping our creatives with technical knowledge, industry insight, and professional competencies, we are ensuring that Jamaican music remains globally competitive while fostering local talent and innovation.”

Speaking to the broader policy framework, the Ministry noted that the Music Mastery workshop is well aligned with its strategic priorities for the creative industries. “By fostering technical proficiency and professional readiness, initiatives such as this contribute to a sustainable creative economy. Our approach is rooted in long-term structural transformation, where creatives are supported not only as artists but as cultural entrepreneurs who drive innovation, economic growth, and national development.”

Constructed as a hybrid, one-day intensive, Music Mastery offers a deep dive into the mechanisms of today’s music business. Created for musicians, songwriters, producers, managers, promoters, and music entrepreneurs across the Caribbean, it is tailored for those ready to scale their careers with intention and innovation. With Headline Entertainment, the organisers, now confirming a powerhouse roster of presenters—dynamic leaders in creativity, technology, legal know-how, and strategic industry insight, the initiative gains even greater relevance.  The confirmed workshop presenters are: 

• Nikki Shannon Fernandez, New York-based Singer-Songwriter & Creative Entrepreneur
• Evon Mullings, CEO at Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS)
• Shantal English Richards, Deputy Director/Legal Counsel at the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO)

English Richards will lead the Intellectual Property & Technology in Music session. This panel will explore copyright ownership, licensing and the essential strategies for protecting, profiting from, and leveraging music rights from their content in a fast-changing digital era.

For the Networking & Collaboration panel, Steve Wilson, artiste manager, Global Music Strategist and Dana Shayegan, Music, Media and Technology Executive, will bring decades of experience working with multi-platinum artistes. These two are set to share proven techniques for forging powerful industry connections, expanding creative networks, and turning collaborations into long-term success.

Michael ‘Mikie’ Bennett, Renowned Producer and CEO of Grafton Studios, and Clive Hunt, Reggae Multi-Instrumentalist, Arranger and Composer, will guide attendees through Creative Development. Their session will unpack the art and science of refining their sound, building a signature style, and preparing music for both local and international stages. 

Cristy Barber, Music Industry Executive and Grammy-nominated Producer and Lloyd Laing, Music Business Strategist, will lead Business and Entrepreneurship in Music, equipping participants with the financial tools, operational models, and market intelligence needed to navigate and thrive in the modern music economy. 

Registration for the virtual component of the workshop remains open, although all in-person slots have already been filled, underscoring the strong demand for professional development within the region’s music sector. 

“The team is encouraged by the overwhelming response from the creative community. It is a clear indication that the workshop is timely, relevant, and in demand. We’re tracking a combination of indicators—everything from improved knowledge around music business fundamentals to increased confidence in contract negotiation, brand building, and IP management. Ultimately, success means artistes leave with not just information, but actionable tools to advance their careers,” noted Chantrelle. 

While the workshop is being hosted in Kingston, its reach extends far beyond Jamaica’s shores, she added, “By live-streaming the workshops across the region, we’re ensuring emerging artistes, whether in Kingston, Bridgetown or Castries, have access to practical, business-focused tools that are too often out of reach. What makes this programme truly powerful is that it’s grounded in the lived experiences of professionals who’ve successfully navigated the industry.”

The Music Mastery Workshop is funded by the ACP-EU Culture Programme and implemented by UNESCO, the CARICOM Secretariat, and The University of the West Indies—three partners united in their mission to invest in the region’s creative capital. Follow @headlinejamaica for updates and join the movement to empower Caribbean sound.