IMC Amplifies the Role of Producers in “The Power of the Producer” Session

With IMC 2026 drawing closer, one of the most anticipated sessions will feature Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Silent Addy, and Yeti Beats, with Max Glazer leading conversations on creativity, branding, and industry influence

L-R: Max Glazer, Di Genius and Silent Addi

With the Caribbean’s premier annual gathering of global music professionals drawing closer, anticipation is high as it returns to Kingston, Jamaica, for its fourth staging from February 25–28, 2026, at the Courtleigh Auditorium, aligning with Jamaica’s Reggae Month celebrations.

Following the announcement of Belizean politician and former Bad Boy Records artiste Shyne as a 2026 keynote speaker, organizers have also confirmed acclaimed storyteller and creative strategist Rodney Barnes as the keynote speaker for Film. Barnes will deliver a keynote titled “Storytelling Power: From Culture to Commerce.” The multi-award-winning screenwriter and producer is known for his work on The Boondocks, My Wife and Kids, Everybody Hates Chris, and Those Who Can’t, among others.

Beyond the keynote sessions, IMC 2026 will host a slate of high-impact panels led by some of the most influential voices in music production, publishing, and artist development.

One of the most anticipated sessions, “The Power of the Producer,” will bring together super producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, hitmaker Silent Addy, and David “Yeti Beats” Spencer, with Max Glazer serving as host. The panel will explore the producer’s evolving role as a creative architect, brand builder, and influential industry power player.

Another key session, “Breaking Into Publishing,” will break down one of the music industry’s most misunderstood sectors, with leading executives unpacking access, ownership, global administration, and long-term revenue strategies.

Founded in February 2023, the Island Music Conference, led by Jamaican icon the IMC CEO Shaggy alongside businesswomen Sharon Burke and Judith Bodley, has quickly established itself as a key meeting point for the international music industry, bringing together artists, executives, producers, managers, songwriters, creatives, music journalists, and innovators to exchange ideas, build partnerships, showcase new talent, and engage with the global music economy from the cultural heart of Jamaica.