Rap Radar had the dope privilege of covering the second edition of the Island Music Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, founded by Shaggy, Sharon Burke, and Judith Bodley. 

The five-day conference, held during Jamaica’s Reggae Month, featured engaging panels, dynamic performances, lively parties, insightful workshops, and ample networking opportunities with industry insiders. 

Notable highlights included Teejay’s album release party, where he performed his hit song Drift with a live band [getting a huge reaction], and Mya sharing insights into her career longevity and collaborations with Jamaican artists on a panel with Tuma Basa, Kes and Teejay. 

The conference culminated in a spectacular Musical Live MashUp featuring Shaggy, Wyclef, Stonebwoy, Yohan Marley, Jesse Royal, and many others. The Chairman’s Welcome Dinner drew a diverse crowd of artists, influencers, and industry officials. For those seeking a festival to delve into Jamaican and West Indian music, along with gaining industry insights, the Island Music Conference proved to be the ultimate destination.

Written/Photos: Ismail Sayeed